To honor this special day we have compiled our top 10 list of books for and about twins.

For Young Twins

Playtime for Twins by Ellen Weiss (Author) / Sam Williams (Illustrator)

The twins are ready for some fun! Laugh along as these cheerful siblings make some noise, read about rocket ships, seesaw, and more before they wave goodbye to the sun as it sets and head for home. Pitch-perfect rhyming text from author Ellen Weiss and soft, engaging images from bestselling illustrator Sam Williams showcase the twins’ appealing personalities and capture all the joy of playtime!

Two is for Twins by Wendy Cheyette Lewison (Author) / Hiroe Nakata (Illustrator)

What makes two? All sorts of things. A bicycle’s wheels. A bluebird’s wings. And twins, as you can plainly see, are just as two as two can be. This brightly illustrated board book is a buoyant, bouncy ode to the joys of twindom. Perfect for children who are twins, and just as perfect for children who aren’t!

For School-Age Twins

The Templeton Twins Have an Idea by Ellis Weiner (Author) / Jeremy Holmes (Illustrator)

Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and girl named John and Abigail Templeton. Let’s say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometimes confused, inventor. And suppose that another set of twins—adults—named Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. Yes, kidnapped. 

The Tapper Twins Series by Geoff Rodkey (Author)

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Told as a series of interviews, screenshots, text messages, and social media bursts, The Tapper Twins Run For President tops the antics of the real 2016 elections! Claudia Tapper wants to become President of the United States someday. She’s the sixth-grade class president and has every reason to presume she’ll get reelected. Reese Tapper could not care less about student government—until he learns becoming class president is his best shot at overturning a hated new rule. And thus, the greatest political rivalry in Culvert Prep history is born! In a tangle of evil-genius advisers, meddlesome best-friends, negative campaign attacks. and outrageously funny missteps, Claudia and Reese duke it out to see who will rule the school.

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For Older Twins

Ruby Holler by Sharon Creech (Author)

Ruby Holler is a Carnegie Medal-winning novel, and with its quirky protagonists and exciting journey, captures the imaginations of readers of all ages.  

Brother and sister Dallas and Florida are the “trouble twins.” In their short thirteen years, they’ve passed through countless foster homes, only to return to their dreary orphanage, Boxton Creek Home.

Run by the Trepids, a greedy and strict couple, Boxton Creek seems impossible to escape. When Mr. Trepid informs the twins that they’ll be helping old Tiller and Sairy Morey go on separate adventures, Dallas and Florida are suspicious.

I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson (Author)

At first, Jude and her twin brother are NoahandJude; inseparable. Noah draws constantly and is falling in love with the charismatic boy next door, while daredevil Jude wears red-red lipstick, cliff-dives, and does all the talking for both of them.

Years later, they are barely speaking. Something has happened to change the twins in different yet equally devastating ways . . . but then Jude meets an intriguing, irresistible boy and a mysterious new mentor.

The early years are Noah’s to tell; the later years are Jude’s. But they each have only half the story, and if they can only find their way back to one another, they’ll have a chance to remake their world.

Are we missing any?

Share in the comments any of your favorite books for or about twins!

The post Read Across America Day – Best Twin Books appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

Most people realize that there is a percentage of women who experience feelings of sadness after they deliver their baby or babies. The reality is that many people have no idea of the severity and complexity of life with PPD. 

In fact, there are a number of discouraging myths that keep many women from seeking help when they experience the signs of depression after delivery.  

In this article, we will look at what postpartum depression is, why it occurs, debunk some popular myths, and talk about how to get help for you or someone you love.

Postpartum depression does not have to derail your experience as a new mom of multiples. 

What is postpartum depression?

There is not one single underlying cause of PPD. Instead, experts believe that there is a myriad of contributing factors that lead to developing this form of clinical depression. 

Postpartum or perinatal depression affects as many as 1 in 7 women. It is so common that it is the most common complication of childbirth. 

Who is most likely to develop postpartum depression?

PPD can affect any woman. It strikes women who experience easy pregnancies, as well as, those with difficult pregnancies. First-time mothers and mothers who have one or more children can also experience PPD. It doesn’t matter if a new mom is married or single, and things like income, age, ethnicity, culture, and education make little difference in your risk of experiencing depression after birth.

One group of women who are at a higher risk of suffering from postpartum depression are moms of multiples (or MoMs). MoMs are much more likely to develop PPD than moms of singletons. While not all twin moms will experience symptoms, they are at an increased risk. 

What are the risk factors for postpartum depression?

• A change in hormone levels after childbirth 
• Previous experience of depression or anxiety 
• Loneliness, not having close friends and family around
• Family history of depression or mental illness 
• The stress involved in caring for a newborn and managing new life changes
• Having a challenging baby who cries more than usual, is hard to comfort, or whose sleep and hunger needs are irregular and hard to predict
• Having a baby with special needs (premature birth, medical complications, illness) 
• Lack of family support
• The health consequences of childbirth, including urinary incontinence, anemia, blood pressure changes, and alterations in metabolism
• The physical changes during and after pregnancy
• Other emotional stressors, such as the death of a loved one or family problems
• Financial or employment problems 
• Caring for twins, triplets, or higher-order multiples 
• Isolation and lack of social support
• Changes in the sleep cycle 

Difficulties with breastfeeding might also be linked to PPD. New moms who have difficulty breastfeeding in the first 2 weeks after delivering their babies have a higher risk of PPD 2 months later, according to a study at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. 

What is the difference between baby blues and depression?

Many new moms confuse their own postpartum depression with the less serious “baby blues.” Baby blues happen when moms feel more melancholic than is typical for them after delivering their infant. As hormone levels drop, moms can feel moody, sad, tired, and generally “blue.” This is very different from PPD. 

Unlike the baby blues, PPD doesn’t go away on its own. It can impact a mother’s ability to care for her newborn. The symptoms are much more debilitating and longer-lasting. Any mom who is concerned about how she is feeling should talk to their doctor in order to stay aware of what is going on. 

How prevalent is postpartum depression?

Rates of PPD in singleton pregnancies

According to a report and statement issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, 8.9 percent of all pregnant women and 37 percent of new mothers experience clinical depression in the months before or after giving birth. Less research has been done on new fathers, but some studies suggest that about 10 percent of dads may also experience postpartum depression. For half of the women diagnosed with PPD, this is their first episode of depression. 

Rates of PPD in twin pregnancy

Moms of multiples experience PPD at a higher rate than singleton moms. Researchers have not yet isolated whether these higher rates are due to physical etiology (such as higher levels of hormones) or the additional stress of caring for two newborns. 

A 2009 study, published in the journal Pediatrics found that new MoMs were 43 percent more likely to have postpartum depression than were mothers of singletons. While not all moms of multiples will develop PPD, it is important for these MoM’s and their families to be on the lookout for potential symptoms.  

Recognizing the signs of postpartum depression

In theory, it sounds like it would be fairly simple to identify and treat PPD, right? 

The reality is that after delivering newborn twins, in the sleep-deprived newness of parenting, things can get muddy. MoM’s often think their sadness or anxiety will go away. They often blame their feelings on exhaustion. Understanding the signs of PPD can help to tease apart normal postpartum blues with true depression. 

What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?

The warning signs are different for everyone but may include: 

• A loss of pleasure or interest in things you used to enjoy
• Fear of not being a good mother 
• Eating much more, or much less, than usual
• Anxiety — all or most of the time 
• Fear of being left alone with the baby 
• Racing thoughts 
• Feeling guilty or worthless, including blaming yourself 
• Excessive irritability, anger, or agitation 
• Sadness, crying uncontrollably for very long periods of time 
• Difficulty sleeping, beyond the typical new parent lack of sleep
• Disinterest in the baby, family, and friends 
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions 
• Thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby (seek help immediately if you experience this symptom).

What to do when you suspect postpartum depression?

If you suspect someone you love may be suffering from any form of postpartum depression, anxiety, or even blues – the first thing to do is talk about it. Many moms don’t even realize what is going on. In many cases, it is the loved ones that first recognize the symptoms. 

However, if you are feeling any of the earlier noted signs of PPD, talk to your doctor right away. There is no need to suffer in silence. PPD is treatable!

Fighting the stigma of postpartum depression

Despite the mountains of research surrounding postpartum depression and dialogue that is opening up, many women still feel a stigma when it comes to PPD. There are a number of myths that keep many people in the dark about the realities surrounding postpartum depression. 

Debunking the myths

Myth #1: Moms who have PPD don’t bond with their babies

Truth: Moms with PPD love their babies just as much as moms who do not have PPD. Depression is in no way a sign that a mom will not bond with her baby and love her twins the same as any other mother.  

Myth #2: You can only get PPD if you had a previous mental illness

Truth: While women with a history of mental illness (specifically a mood disorder) are slightly more likely to develop postpartum depression, any new mom can experience it regardless of health history. What’s more is that MoM’s who have experienced a mental illness in the past, are not necessarily going to develop PPD.  

Myth #3: Symptoms show up right after birth

Truth: In many cases, moms will not experience the symptoms of PPD for weeks (or even months) after giving birth. In some cases, women can display signs during the last stage of pregnancy and some won’t develop until as much as a year after delivery. Typically, the condition develops within 4 to 6 weeks after giving birth, but it can sometimes take several months to appear.

Myth #4: PPD will go away on its own

Truth: PPD is a serious condition that requires treatment. It often will not subside on its own and may require a combination of therapy and medication to alleviate the symptoms. Many new moms wait in hopes that the symptoms will retreat on their own, but inevitably prolong their negative feelings. 

Myth #5: Moms with PPD cry nonstop

Truth: Postpartum depression can take many forms. While some moms of multiples will be tearful, others will experience PPD as isolation, anxiety, or withdrawal. A woman does not have to cry around the clock to be experiencing PPD.  

Seeking help for postpartum depression

If you experience these symptoms during pregnancy or after delivering your babies you should talk to your doctor. Also, if you recognize any of these signs in someone you love, encourage them to talk to a medical professional. Many women delay seeking treatment for PPD and suffer in silence for much longer than is necessary. 

Too few women seek help for postpartum depression

In a survey published in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice, parents of twins or other multiples reported experiencing the most difficulty during the first three months of their babies’ lives. The study included 244 parents of twins and other multiples (including 197 mothers and 44 spouses or partners), asking about parents’ mental health during the postpartum period. 

They found that, although 48 percent of the study participants had struggled emotionally after their babies were born, very few got help. Many parents reported that with caring for multiple babies at once, finding childcare, and the financial stress of finding a therapist, often felt like another burden.

Coping strategies

In addition to psychological interventions and medication, there are a number of things new moms can do to help cope with the stress of parenting two babies. Using some or all of these coping skills in the face of PPD can help improve outcomes and manage symptoms. 

1. Get some exercise. Okay, maybe you aren’t ready to hit the gym but simply taking a walk, going for a bike ride, or even a few minutes of dancing with cranky babies can go a long way. 
2. Make time for yourself. While finding a few quiet moments for yourself may seem impossible, they are so important. Make sure to take a break and focus on yourself. Take a shower, talk to a friend on the phone, meditate, or do anything that makes you feel like yourself again. 
3. Stay on top of your diet. This point covers two important aspects. First, if you are breastfeeding make sure you are getting enough calories. Second, be sure you are making good food choices that will fuel your tired mind and body. 
4. Get your rest. This is probably the most laughable on our list. Once you are done chuckling at our suggestion, read on. We realize that adding an extra hour of sleep to your day is highly unlikely, remember that rest is more than sleep. A 20-minute power nap, meditation, or mindfulness and just a micro-break a few times each day can help keep you going. 
5. Connect with people. One of the biggest sources of melancholy new moms report is feeling isolated. Long hours spent just you and your babies can be an isolating experience. Connect with friends or family or join a Moms of Multiples group near you. 

Despite the growing body of information about postpartum depression and its impact on moms of multiples, there is still a gap that needs to be bridged. Too many women are left untreated and suffering in silence. The more information moms-to-be and new moms have, the more they can understand what is going on. 

Postpartum depression is a real diagnosis and is very treatable. Be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms. If you or someone you love are experiencing any, be sure to talk to a medical professional right away. There is no need to suffer in silence.  

Resources:

American Psychological Association – What is postpartum depression & anxiety?

Journal of Psychiatric Practice – Perinatal Mental Health Treatment Needs, Preferences, and Barriers in Parents of Multiples

Journal of the American Medical Association – Prenatal and Postpartum Depression in Fathers and Its Association With Maternal Depression

Medical News Today – What to know about postpartum depression

National Public Radio – Mommy Mentors Help Fight The Stigma Of Postpartum Mood Disorder

National Public Radio – Pssst: Parenting Twins Can Be Depressing

Obstetrics and Gynecology – Early breastfeeding experiences and postpartum depression

Pediatrics – Multiple Births Are a Risk Factor for Postpartum Maternal Depressive Symptoms

Postpartum Support International – Depression During Pregnancy & Postpartum

US Preventative Services Task Force – Perinatal Depression: Preventive Interventions

The post The Truth About Postpartum Depression appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cold virus that causes bronchiolitis in children, can act as a “hit and hide” virus, according to an international team of researchers. Until now, it was thought that the virus could only survive in the body for a few days, but a new study shows that the virus can survive for many months or years, perhaps causing long-term effects on health, such as damage to the lungs.

The research, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, was a joint project between Imperial College London, St. Mary’s Hospital, London, and the Ruhr-Universitat Bochum, Germany. Professor Peter Openshaw, from Imperial College London and St. Mary’s Hospital, one of the paper’s authors, commented: “These studies show that RSV is a ‘hit and hide’ virus, rather like HIV, herpes or some hepatitis viruses. The symptoms seem to go away but the virus is just hiding, waiting for a chance to re-emerge and begin infecting other people.”

The team believes that long after the initial symptoms, such as coughs and sneezes, have disappeared, the virus could lie dormant in the body. It is possible that the recurrent wheezing—which occurs in children who have suffered from bronchiolitis—may be due to the virus being hidden in the lungs.

“Some people may be carriers, able to act as a source of new outbreaks in children. If RSV is a ‘hit and hide’ virus, this could explain where this virus goes in the summer and where it comes from each winter. If the virus is able to lie dormant in previously infected individuals, it could re-emerge when the conditions are right and cause the outbreaks that fill our children’s wards each winter,” Openshaw said. 

Who gets RSV?

RSV is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and children worldwide, with infections predominantly occurring between the autumn and spring. Nearly 50% of bronchiolitis and 25% of pneumonia hospitalizations in young children are caused by RSV. The global annual infection and mortality figures for RSV are estimated to be as high as 64 million and 160,000 respectively. Around 40% of infants who experience bronchiolitis as a result of RSV infection are subsequently affected by recurring wheezing and up to a third can also suffer from childhood asthma.

Most children contract RSV sometime in early childhood, some with very mild symptoms. Preterm infants, however, are at high risk for serious RSV infection, re-infection, hospitalization, and complications. RSV infection, when severe enough to result in hospitalization, may require intensive care and mechanical ventilation.

Those considered at the highest risk for RSV disease include preterm infants and infants with hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (CHD). High-risk infants who contract RSV are significantly more likely than healthy, term infants to develop LRTI such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, conditions that often require lengthy and costly hospitalizations.

Over the long term, RSV infection has been linked to chronic wheezing and coughing, similar to childhood asthma. Premature infants who are most likely to be hospitalized include those with siblings in daycare, a crowded household, smokers in the home, multiple health conditions, an age of 10 weeks or younger at the start of the RSV season, and early cessation of breastfeeding. Furthermore, males are more likely to be hospitalized for RSV.

RSV prevention

New clinical findings have provided additional evidence that premature, less than or equal to 35 weeks gestational age, infants are at an elevated risk for RSV-related morbidity and mortality. “These new findings help raise awareness of the risks of RSV in premature babies,” said Jessie Groothuis, M.D., global medical director, immunology development, Abbott Laboratories. “Preventive treatments can help protect these already vulnerable infants against RSV, a serious lower respiratory tract disease.”

All high-risk infants can be protected through preventive treatments, which may result in fewer RSV-related hospitalizations and fewer serious complications. Currently, the only preventive regimen against LRTI caused by RSV is Synagis (palivizumab). Approved in Europe in 1999 and in the U.S. in 1998 to prevent serious RSV infections in high-risk premature infants, was recently approved in Europe and in the U.S. for expanded use in children up to 2 years of age with CHD.

Synagis injections are given monthly during the RSV season to children under 2, who have bronchopulmonary dysplasia/chronic lung disease, premature infants born at 35 weeks or earlier, and for infants and children 2 years of age or younger with hemodynamically significant CHD.

For more information on RSV, visit www.rsvprotection.com and talk to your pediatrician. 

The post The Truth About RSV: What Parents Need to Know appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

Touching on themes such as diversity and individuality – the tiny insects of this story introduce children to important topics with a fun-to-read tale, chronicling the lives of some special tiny bugs.

About the book

Written by Hannah Qizilbash and illustrated by Katie Blakeslee, The Purple Grasshopper follows the journey of a quirky grasshopper who struggles with accepting that she is different. She tries to be like the other grasshoppers at first but quickly learns the power of self-love, and that friendship is abundant.  

The audience of this book are young children and parents who want to introduce the concepts of diversity, inclusion, self-love, and the importance of friendship.

We at Twins Magazine loved how the themes of self-acceptance, inclusion, and friendship were woven into a moving and enjoyable adventure. 

About the author 

We also had the opportunity to interview the book author and mom of twins, Hannah Qizilbash. Here is what she shared with us:

What inspired you to write this book? 

At 3.5 years old, my twins were facing some exclusion due to their curly, biracial hair and having to sit by themselves with their “safe food” due to their celiac disease and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) diagnoses. One day, when the girls asked for a story, I seized the opportunity to address the importance of self-confidence, inclusion, and support, then I created The Purple Grasshopper on the fly.

What one thing you would tell potential readers about the importance of your story? 

The most important takeaway here is that accepting your uniqueness is immensely powerful and freeing. When my kids began to repeatedly reference “being my own self like the grasshopper,” I realized that self-acceptance and inclusion can be taught, even at a young age.

What do you want readers to take away from your story? 

I want to help children understand the value of accepting differences, appreciating strengths, and being proud of who they are; while also understanding the importance of support. This book can also help parents introduce these complicated concepts at an early age.

Who is your main character and why are they important to you? 

The Purple Grasshopper is the main character and she is so incredibly important because she personifies that voice of doubt, and that feeling of uncertainty that most people have felt at some point. In addition to that, she is unique so she struggles with wanting to fit in, even though deep down it does not feel right. I believe that the journey to discovering and accepting our own identities is something that resonates with everyone.

Is there anything else you want to share about your book? 

I would like to invite your audience to join me on the journey to spread this powerful message by supporting The Purple Grasshopper on Kickstarter. 

Final thoughts on The Purple Grasshopper

The Purple Grasshopper is an important book that can help parents introduce topics like individuality, diversity, and acceptance to even the youngest children. We at Twins Magazine are excited to be able to share this book with all of our readers.

The post Book Review: The Purple Grasshopper  appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

Many schools have adopted philosophies that encourage concepts such as compassion, empathy, respect, kindness, gratitude and a growth mindset. This is a great step. But are there things you can do at home to ensure that you are raising kind humans? 

Here are 5 simple steps you can take to ensure that you are doing your part in raising kind children. 

Model the right language 

A big part of raising kind children is raising kids who use kind language. Let’s face it, kids are bombarded with all kinds of speech and language throughout the many facets of their life. Chances are, not all of it is nice. A great way to combat this is to use kind language in your home and encourage your children to use as much of it as they can. 

Similarly, when you speak, make sure you are using kind language. Make sure that when you see them doing something nice, you bring attention to it with your words. Say things such as, “that was very kind of you” or “that was awesome that you did something so kind,” so they start to incorporate it into their own language toolbox. 

Practice kindness at home

Another tactic you can use is to practice kindness at home. Encourage opportunities to be kind to other members of the family and applaud it when you see it. Something as simple as helping a family member with a chore they don’t love or taking a minute to ask how their day it, can go a long way. 

Model these opportunities as often as you can and you will start to see that your children begin to use them in their everyday life. 

Lead by example 

This simple but important tool is one of the most important tools that any parent can use. When given the opportunity to model kindness, do it. Hold a door open for someone behind you, say thank you, engage with people in public, and smile when you pass by others. These little things show your child how important it is to be kind to those around you. 

One of the best teaching tools you have is to show grace under pressure. When you choose kindness in the moments of frustration, stress, or hurry—you are modeling something very important for your kids. 

Make kindness a family rule 

Each family has its own unwritten family mantra. Maybe your family unit is made up of adventure lovers and you are always ready for the next new things to try. Or maybe your family would rather spend time at home together playing games or enjoying a movie. These are the things that make your family unique. 

Just like being adventurous or loving time spent at home, make kindness a new family rule. If all family members collectively agree that interactions will always come from a place of kindness, it can become a new family mantra. While we wish this would mean no more bickering or whining, it just means that you all agree to try and always remember to be kind with and to one another.  

Point out kindness in others 

Obviously modeling kindness and encouraging it in your children is important in instilling this value. Another important thing you can do is to point out kindness in others. Maybe you hear on the radio about a television star who stopped by a local children’s hospital. Or a favorite sports hero who helped build houses for the homeless. Point these things out to your children. By doing so, you show your kids the value of kindness. 

Raising kind kids 

When we think of all the things we want for our children, we think of success, good fortune, health, and so many other things. But when you think of all the things you want to instill in them, don’t forget about the value of kindness. Being a kind person means that their will have higher satisfaction in their own life and they will be a blessing to the people around them. 

Thankfully, these are some simple ways you can start to help your children become kinder people. 

The post 5 Tips for Raising Kind Children appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

With all of our talk about winter ailments and running fevers, it’s easy to be tough on winter. But winter isn’t all bad!

When we asked on our Facebook page last week what our readers’ favorite thing about winter was, we got some great responses. There were several votes for:

• No bugs
• Less sweating
• Christmas
  and
• When it’s over

But some of our winter lovers had some fun responses. Here are some of our favorites:

One of our readers, Jaclyn Kurtz, found much to love about winter, including: “No bugs, not sweating, beautiful snow, cozy clothes, fireplace, comfort food… I looooooove winter?.”

Another twins magazine fan, Kathryn O’Connor Scaccia, told us that she particularly loves: “Christmas. Snow. Sledding. Snowmen. Fires. and Movies.” Some of the very best parts of winter!

Twins magazine writer, Kristen, shared that her favorite part of winter is: “waiting for that first beautiful snowfall of the season. In New Jersey, it usually doesn’t come until February but it’s beautiful when it comes.”

Jennifer Houston Maxedon shared that her favorite part of winter is, “No bugs and bees when my kids play outside…. a nice fire crackling with a cozy blanket and book is nice too!”

Of course, not winter would be complete without some time on the courts. We were reminded by Jennifer Crasilli Lynch that her favorite part of winter is, “Watching my twin’s on the basketball court.”

The post What’s to love about winter? appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

MYTH #1: Fevers cause brain damage

This is perhaps the most commonly held fever myth, and one that I have to discuss almost every night in the ER with worried parents. Fevers that are due to infection, even those reaching heights of 105°F, will not cause brain damage. It is true that aches and pains can accompany high fevers, and the fever can even produce some nonsensical or babbling behavior, but high fevers will not permanently injure your child. (Brain damage will occur in body temperatures over 108° F, which only results from environmental conditions—a child left in a closed car in hot weather, for example).

MYTH #2: Fever seizures are harmful

There is nothing quite so frightening as to observe your precious child seizing in front of you. Fortunately, fever seizures rarely last more than a few minutes and do no permanent harm. Thankfully, children who have had febrile seizures are not at increased risk for learning disabilities, developmental delays, or epilepsy.

MYTH #3: All fevers need to be treated

Fever does not have to be treated. Why? Because treating the fever will not help combat the underlying disease process. However, because fevers above 102° F can sometimes cause discomfort, it is reasonable to treat these fevers with acetaminophen or ibuprofen liquid.

A few words of caution: It is not necessary to soak or sponge your child with cold-water baths—this only reduces the fever for a few minutes. And never use rubbing alcohol to cool your feverish child. Alcohol is toxic to infants, and will be absorbed through the skin.

MYTH #4: Without treatment, fevers will just keep getting higher

Our brains have a wonderful internal thermostat that will stop a fever from getting higher than 105-106° F—whether you treat the fever or not.

MYTH #5: With treatment, fevers should return to normal

Aggressive fever treatment may not always work. Or it may only lower the fever a degree or two. Or may only keep the temperature down for an hour or two. Knowing this, be careful not to get frustrated and over-treat a feverish child, risking an overdose. Remember: the fever is not the real problem.

MYTH #6: The higher the fever, the more dangerous the illness

This can be a dangerous myth. A child can be quite ill, with a serious infection like pneumonia or meningitis, and yet have a low grade fever or no fever at all. Conversely, benign viral infections, that do no harm, can cause high fevers that are unresponsive to fever-lowering medicines.

How your child appears (does he look sick?) is far more important than how high his fever may be.

MYTH #7: Any temperature higher than 98.6 is considered a fever

A normal person’s temperature changes throughout the day. Furthermore, the range of “normal” temperatures can vary several degrees. Most pediatricians define a fever as any rectal temperature above 100.5°F.

In summary, fever is simply a warning sign that an infection may be present. Think of it like a subtle grinding sound that suddenly appears from your car’s engine. Upon hearing such a noise, would you wrap your engine in soundproofing material and start wearing earplugs, so that you could no longer hear the grinding? Or would you have a mechanic investigate its source? Likewise, relax about the heat, while you begin a search for the flame. 

Steven Sainsbury lives in San Luis Obispo, Calif., and is the father of eight in a blended family, including three surviving quads, now 21 years old. He’s been writing medical articles for TWINS since 1986, and has worked as a full-time emergency physician since 1985.

The post 7 Myths about Fevers  appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

“Infants are geared to suck and swallow. At about 6 months of age, the configuration of the face evolves to allow efficient eating and chewing. There is no nutritional advantage to giving solids early. Breast milk provides 100% of the essential nutrients a baby needs, including iron in a particularly digestible form. The same can be said for fortified formulas,” explains Steven J. Sainsbury, M.D.

In addition, certain skills are essential for eating solids: Your babies must sit well when supported, have good head control and be able to take food into the backs of their mouths and swallow.

Rice cereal is a good first solid. After you give the regular feeding of breast milk or formula, place your babies in a sitting position and offer them the cereal with a spoon. The texture will seem strange to them at first. After they master a few tablespoons once a day, add a second cereal feeding. When you are feeding about a half cup of cereal daily, you can begin to add other solid foods.

Strained solid foods should be introduced one at a time. This will allow you to judge any reactions to a specific food. Fruits and vegetables are easiest to digest. When your babies become more proficient at chewing, add foods with more texture.

To encourage good eating habits, offer a variety of foods. If you get a less than enthusiastic reaction to a particular food, try offering it again at a later time. Use glass dishes when you heat foods, so chemicals can’t leech from plastic into food.

The post Introducing Solid Foods appeared first on TWINS Magazine.