Baby's Health -
Frequently Asked Questions

What questions about your baby's health and food do you have? What would be useful for new parents? Send your suggestions to Ulula and we will make the answers available on this page.

• My Baby Has Reflux - What Should I Do?
• My Baby Has Diarrhoea or Sickness - What Should I Do?
• What Can I Do When My Baby is Teething?
• How Can I Protect My Baby From the Sun

My Baby Has Reflux - What Should I Do?

Reflux is the term used to describe what happens when a baby's stomach contents come back up into the gullet or even into the mouth. Reflux occurs when the valve action of the diaphragm isn't as strong as it should be. In fact, this happens to women when they are pregnant which is why heartburn can occur, as acid is passed back up the gullet. Reflux happens in babies because their diaphragms aren't fully developed. Around 50 percent of babies will suffer from some degree of reflux but as they grow it becomes much less common.

How Do I Know If My Baby Has Reflux?

Babies may regurgitate a little milk after a feed or have hiccups and this can be followed by a cough. Try not to worry, just make sure you have a tissue or muslin at the ready.

Is There Anything I Can Do to Help My Baby With Reflux?

• It is important to keep calm when feeding and make this time as stress-free as possible. Play soft music and keep the room tranquil and soothing with soft lights and music.
• Give baby lots of skin-on-skin contact and lots of cuddles!
• It is thought that breast milk is more digestible so if at all possible try this method.
• Baby slings can be effective when feeding and try to vary the positions.

When Does Reflux Become Serious & When Should I Take My Baby to the GP?

• If reflux occurs more than five times a day, regularly.
• If your baby cries excessively after feeds and appears noticely distressed.
• If there is regular vomiting.
• If coughing becomes regular.

In most cases, reflux isn’t serious so try not to worry.

My Baby Has Diarrhoea or Sickness - What Should I Do?

When your young baby is ill can be a worrying time for parents, the following page gives basic advice on managing your baby if they have diarrhoea or vomiting, including just when to seek medical advice.
Recipes and Advice for When Your Baby Has Diarrhoea or Sickness >>

What Can I Do When My Baby is Teething?

This is a common question and it’s one that nearly every parent asks at some stage in their baby’s first year or so. Teething is the name given to the time when babies get their primary or milk teeth. Most babies get their first tooth at around six months, usually in front and at the bottom. It can be a painful time for little ones and common symptoms include:

• More than the usual amount of dribbling.
• Gnawing the gums and chewing action.
• Flushed or red cheeks.
• Baby becomes more fretful than usual.
• Excessive crying.
• Extra wetness in their nappies.

If your baby shows any of the above and the time corresponds to around six months, it is probable that baby is teething. The following ideas are all worth a try:

• It can help to give babies something hard to chew on. I tend to avoid teething rings because they contain PVC. I always recommend using something natural like a piece of carrot or sugar-free rusks, such as Holle Organic Baby Spelt Rusks, or ErdmannHAUSER Organic Spelt Rusks. Always stay with baby to avoid choking.
• Sugar-free teething gel can be used for babies over 4 months.
• Chamomilla Granules by Weleda are great for teething pain due to their ancient soothing and calming properties and can be used from birth onwards.
  Please Note: the Chamomilla Granules are currently not availble from Weleda. Send us an email and we can contact you as soon as they become available.
• Chamomilla Drops by Weleda have the same soothing qualities and can be used from 6 months onwards.
• Holle Baby Tea for babies from 2 weeks of age helps calm and relax teething babies.

If you have any concerns about teething and it’s symptoms, your Health Visitor or GP can advise.

How Can I Protect My Baby From the Sun?

We all love the sunshine but it is so important to keep your baby safe, even on less sunny days during the summer. Sunburn is painful in young children but also highly dangerous - babies and toddlers have delicate skin which is much more prone to sun-damage. The more a child's skin is exposed to the sun, the greater the risk of developing skin cancer in later life.

Babies under six months should never be exposed to the sun - always keep them in the shade.

For older babies and toddlers, follow these simple guidelines:

• keep children out of direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm
• make sure they always wear a hat, preferably one that covers the top of the neck too
• keep them well hydrated with lots of water
• make sure they wear loose clothing made from close-weave fabric to prevent rays from penetrating
• use sunscreens designed for children and apply frequently
• explain to your little ones why you are protecting them - it's important that they learn about the dangers of the sun at a young age.

If you are concerned about the very high levels of chemicals found in the high-street brands of sunscreen, Ulula recommends the sun protection range from Weleda. The Edelweiss Sun Cream and Sun Lotion are chemical-free and are made from organic alpine plant extract and minerals to give you UVA and UVB protection. The creams recently received the highest score in a consumer test for the Daily Mail. They are water-resistant which is great for all the family.

Other Ulula FAQs

Can't find what you're looking for? Why not try one of our other themed FAQs? Do let us know if you have a question for us.

• Organic Baby Food FAQ
• Shopping with Ulula FAQ
• Baby Weaning FAQ