A Glossary for what parents should know especially for moms in the first year of parenthood.
Mommy Glossary S- T
Sedatives – Drugs that sedate (quieten) the nervous system. These are sometimes sought after by the mothers of over-lively children. Doctors dislike prescribing sedatives because they seldom work effectively.
Sexual Interest– Male babies often get erections. Both sexes enjoy and get comfort from sexual stimulation in baby-hood (see Masturbation).
Siblings – The medical name for brothers and sisters.
Sneezing – All babies tend to sneeze a lot. Usually it does not mean a cold is coming.
Songs – Even tiny babies like repetitive musical sounds especially if combined with jigging or rocking motions.
Spoiling – Brought about by contrary and inconsistent adult behaviour that the baby can’t understand. A fear of spoiling very young babies is unfounded and is based on over-strict attitudes in parents.
Squints – The term implies that the eyes are not in alignment and tend to wander independently of one another. All babies squint to start with. They start to focus when they begin looking at things – usually their hands and fingers at about 4-6 months. If squints persist see the doctor.
Sweating – Babies have difficulty in regulating their body temperature when they are very young. They will sweat profusely if overclothed in hot weather or in hot rooms.
Swollen Glands – Often if a baby is off colour you can feel swollen glands in the neck. This means he should be taken to the doctor, for he’s probably suffering from throat infection.
Teething – This is used to be held responsible for all baby illnesses. Now we know that although teething can upset the bowels, the appetite, is often associated with excessive dribbling, crying and disturbed nights, it does not make the baby really ill although he will often be fretful and irritable.
Temper Tantrums – Even toddlers can get into a temper. Usually it is a sign of frustration and punishment usually makes it worse. If getting into terrible tempers is very frequent seek medical advice.
Testes – undescended. – Most babies have their testes in the scrotum at birth. Testes are, however, rectractile – they can return into the body out of sight. This happens in a cold environment, or if baby is frightened. See doctor if worried.
Threadworms – Minute cotton-thread-like worms which are common in childhood. They are nothing to worry about and can be easily cured.
Thrush – An infection, usually of the inside of the mouth, with a yeast-like fungus. Medical treatment soon clears it up.
Tonsils – Small lymphatic glands which lie at the back of the throat. They often get inflamed in babies and toddlers. They are Nature’s first line of defence against many germs that affect the nose, throat and chest. Usually medical treatment is indicated. Quite often the body copes with inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis) adequately by itself however. So whether or not you see the doctor depends on how fit or unwell the baby seems.
Mommy Glossary A- Hsource: The First Year Book by Eric Trimmer
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