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The Star
27-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
What to do when baby keeps crying
Crying is the way babies communicate. It signals parents to rush to their baby's side and console them. Even so, parents being unsure of the reason their little one is crying can further upset the child, which can be frustrating for the whole household. In addition, parents may start to doubt their parenting skills if they repeatedly fail to soothe their crying baby. Reasons for crying Parents cannot afford to be by their baby's side at all times to coddle them, so it is okay to let your baby call for your help on their own. A few reasons babies might cry include: With their rapid growth spurts and small stomach size, it is normal for your baby to demand food often. When they do so, their cry will be low-pitched and repetitive. Wet and soiled diapers can irritate their thin, sensitive skin. If left for too long or if the area is not well cleaned, your baby could develop nappy rash, which causes discomfort. Babies need up to 18 hours of sleep per day. Being repeatedly stimulated by sound, touch and light can lead to lack of sleep, and inadequate rest can make them cranky. Inconveniently-placed clothes or bedding tags, or the coarse threads from their own clothing, could rub on their skin constantly and cause annoyance, as could clothes that fit too tightly. Babies often cry when they are sick, and very sick babies may have a high-pitched cry. Look out for other signs of illness, such as fever, vomiting, rash, weakness, poor feeding, restless sleep and not being active as usual. This term refers to excessive and inconsolable crying in a healthy and well-fed baby, which is common in the first three months of life. Infantile colic generally resolves on its own as babies grow older. Here's the rule of three in recognising infantile colic: the baby will cry for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, and more than three weeks. Soothing your baby Once the reason for crying has been ascertained, the next step is to come to your baby's aid. Comforting your baby will not only strengthen the bond between you and your child, but also foster a sense of trust and make your little one cry less frequently over time. Here are five tips to practice: Most of the time, the solutions are straightforward. Removing the cause of their distress by feeding, changing the diaper or rocking them to sleep will easily soothe and quieten your baby. > Provide a comfortable environment As babies spend most of their time lying down, their clothes should be made of soft and breathable material like cotton, and not fit too tightly nor too loosely. The room they sleep in should not be too cold, too warm nor overly bright. Holding and massaging your baby can sometimes stop the crying. Skin-to-skin contact has been proven to help babies and parents relax. One of the techniques to improve bonding between parent and child is Kangaroo Mother Care, which is done by holding your baby on your chest to let your skins touch. Shushing, swaddling, swinging, sucking on a thumb or breast, and being held on their side or stomach, reminds babies of their time in the womb and provides them with a sense of calm. When all of the above fails, parents should consult physicians immediately, especially when their baby cries for far too long and has poor feeding or other visible symptoms. If the baby is not physically well and you are feeling overly stressed or tired by your baby's crying, you can ask someone to take over baby's care temporarily. Having a break is important to maintain both baby's and parents' health and safety. Parents will be more adept at handling their crying baby as their experience grows. Knowing the various reasons why your little one might cry and applying the right techniques to calm them can save you a lot of trouble and bolster your confidence as parents. Dr Norazlin Kamal Nor is a consultant developmental paediatrician. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association's Positive Parenting programme in collaboration with expert partners. For further information, please email starhealth@ The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader's own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
Wales Online
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Oti Mabuse says trip to visit mothers in Cote d'Ivoire ‘brought everything home'
Oti Mabuse says trip to visit mothers in Cote d'Ivoire 'brought everything home' The 34-year-old visited a neonatal care unit in the west African country to help raise awareness of its work ahead of Soccer Aid, which raises money for Unicef, which funds the unit Oti Mabuse with Ajam, and her newborn baby at a neonatal care unit in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire (Image: Unicef/Frank Dejongh/PA ) Former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Oti Mabuse has said a trip to visit mothers of babies born prematurely in Cote d'Ivoire "brought everything home" about the premature birth of her own daughter. The 34-year-old visited a neonatal care unit in the west African country to help raise awareness of its work ahead of Soccer Aid, which raises money for Unicef, which funds the unit. Speaking after visiting the country's Abidjan capital, Mabuse said: "Visiting Cote d'Ivoire with Unicef UK showed me the first-hand impact of the importance of vital care for children and their parents – especially for those that are born prematurely. "My own baby was born prematurely, so seeing the work and meeting mums like Ouattara (one of the mothers at the care unit) brought everything home. I know how vital that care and support is in those early days. "Worldwide an estimated 4.8 million children died before reaching their fifth birthday in 2024 – deaths that were mostly preventable. "I also met incredible foster carers like Madame Massandje, who are changing children's lives and helping give them the start in life they deserve. Article continues below "These experiences showed me the real difference donations make. That's why I'm so proud to be part of Soccer Aid for Unicef – to help give every child a safe, healthy start in life." Mabuse's daughter, who she shares with husband Marius Iepure, was born 10 weeks premature in 2023. Speaking of her own experience, Mabuse said: "I remember the only way I could touch my child and have skin-on-skin was through this glass window – there's no mother who wants to experience that." Ouattara, who Mabuse met, had seen her first baby die without access to specialised support, however her second baby, Abdul, although born prematurely again, was rushed to the centre where they stayed for three weeks to receive the care needed to allow him to live healthily. The performer, who has also served as a judge on Dancing On Ice, witnessed a Unicef programme called Kangaroo Mother Care at the unit, which promotes the importance of skin-to-skin contact, which is proven to significantly boost survival rates of babies born prematurely, according to the charity. According to Unicef, globally in 2024 an estimated 4.8 million children died before reaching their fifth birthday, including 2.3 million newborns who died within the first 28 days of life. It says that in Cote D'Ivoire, lack of access to specialised care is one of the reasons that prematurity is the leading cause of death for children under five. A Unicef appeal film of Oti Mabuse's trip will feature during Soccer Aid, which will be broadcast on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player at 6pm on Sunday, June 15. Those wishing to donate to Soccer Aid for Unicef can visit Article continues below This year, every donation made to Soccer Aid for Unicef will be doubled, thanks to the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, up to £5 million.
Daily Record
09-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Strictly Come Dancing's Oti Mabuse re-lives trauma of having to touch her baby through glass
The Dancing On Ice judge visited a neonatal clinic for the first time since her daughter's traumatic birth, while supporting a UNICEF programme in Africa. Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse has relived the traumatic experience of giving birth to her baby early after jetting out 3,000 miles to west Africa to meet with mums nursing their premature little ones. The 34-year-old professional dancer returned to a neonatal unit for the first time since she went through a tough 16-hour labour with her daughter, who arrived two months early, weighing just 3lbs in 2023. Oti's baby girl spent the next six weeks in intensive care at University College London Hospital after she was born with an infection and the Strictly star also developed sepsis. Both baby and mum recovered but the Dancing On Ice judge revealed her intense trauma after visiting a UNICEF-funded specialist clinic in Ivory Coast Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) in Africa. In the city of Abidjan she witnessed how premature babies are receiving critical life-saving treatment and daily care including a UNICEF programme called "Kangaroo Mother Care" which promotes the importance of skin-on-skin contact. Opening up about her own traumatic experience, Oti said: 'I remember the only way I could touch my child and have skin-on-skin was through this glass window – there's no mother who wants to experience that.' According to UNICEF, an estimated 4.8 million children died globally in 2024 before reaching their fifth birthday, including 2.3 million newborns who died within the first 28 days of life, the Mirror reports. In Cote D'Ivoire, lack of access to specialised care is one of the reasons that prematurity is the leading cause of death for children under five. In Abidjan, the UNICEF team offers breastfeeding support clinics and regular check-ups until the babies are of age to attend school alongside locally made loin cloth slings, so mothers remain in close contact with their babies. At the hospital, Oti spoke with Ouattara, a mother whose first baby was born prematurely and needed critical care. Sadly, her baby died six days later due to the lack of access to specialised support. Thankfully, her second baby, Abdul, who was also born prematurely, was rushed to the UNICEF centre where they stayed for three weeks to get the care and attention they needed. Two years on, Abdul is a healthy and happy little boy. The Strictly star also visited a UNICEF-supported foster care home, where the organisation supports children providing food and ensuring they stay in education or have vocational training. There, she met Madame Massandje, who has been trained by UNICEF to identify kids living on the streets and offer them safety and shelter in her own home. Madame Massandje currently has 15 children in her care as a result - four girls and eleven boys aged three to fifteen. Speaking about her inspiring trip ahead of Soccer Aid for UNICEF, Oti said: 'Visiting Côte d'Ivoire with UNICEF UK showed me the first-hand impact of the importance of vital care for children and their parents - especially for those that are born prematurely. "My own baby was born prematurely, so seeing the work and meeting mums like Ouattara brought everything home. I know how vital that care and support is in those early days. Worldwide an estimated 4.8 million children died before reaching their fifth birthday in 2024 - deaths that were mostly preventable. "I also met incredible foster carers like Madame Massandje, who are changing children's lives and helping give them the start in life they deserve. These experiences showed me the real difference donations make. That's why I'm so proud to be part of Soccer Aid for UNICEF - to help give every child a safe, healthy start in life.' Oti's trip will be broadcasted in a UNICEF appeal film which will feature during Soccer Aid for UNICEF on Sunday June 15. It will be broadcasted on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player at 6pm. This year, thanks to the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, every donation you make to Soccer Aid for UNICEF will be doubled – up to £5 million.
Glasgow Times
09-06-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Oti Mabuse says trip to visit mothers in Cote d'Ivoire ‘brought everything home'
The 34-year-old visited a neonatal care unit in the west African country to help raise awareness of its work ahead of Soccer Aid, which raises money for Unicef, which funds the unit. Speaking after visiting the country's Abidjan capital, Mabuse said: 'Visiting Cote d'Ivoire with Unicef UK showed me the first-hand impact of the importance of vital care for children and their parents – especially for those that are born prematurely. Mabuse visited Cote d'Ivoire to see the work of the specialist clinic (Unicef/Frank Dejongh/PA) 'My own baby was born prematurely, so seeing the work and meeting mums like Ouattara (one of the mothers at the care unit) brought everything home. I know how vital that care and support is in those early days. 'Worldwide an estimated 4.8 million children died before reaching their fifth birthday in 2024 – deaths that were mostly preventable. 'I also met incredible foster carers like Madame Massandje, who are changing children's lives and helping give them the start in life they deserve. A warm cuddle against her mother's skin can be life-saving for a premature baby. 'Kangaroo care', used here at a UNICEF-supported hospital in Côte d'Ivoire, helps regulate breathing and body temperature and encourages bonding between parents and their newborn. #EveryChildAlive — UNICEF (@UNICEF) November 2, 2019 'These experiences showed me the real difference donations make. That's why I'm so proud to be part of Soccer Aid for Unicef – to help give every child a safe, healthy start in life.' Mabuse's daughter, who she shares with husband Marius Iepure, was born 10 weeks premature in 2023. Speaking of her own experience, Mabuse said: 'I remember the only way I could touch my child and have skin-on-skin was through this glass window – there's no mother who wants to experience that.' Ouattara, who Mabuse met, had seen her first baby die without access to specialised support, however her second baby, Abdul, although born prematurely again, was rushed to the centre where they stayed for three weeks to receive the care needed to allow him to live healthily. The performer, who has also served as a judge on Dancing On Ice, witnessed a Unicef programme called Kangaroo Mother Care at the unit, which promotes the importance of skin-to-skin contact, which is proven to significantly boost survival rates of babies born prematurely, according to the charity. Soccer Aid for UNICEF is back! 🏆💙 🏟️ Old Trafford, Manchester🗓️ Sunday 15th June 🎟️ Get your tickets today 🫡@ManUtd | #SoccerAid — Soccer Aid (@socceraid) March 11, 2025 According to Unicef, globally in 2024 an estimated 4.8 million children died before reaching their fifth birthday, including 2.3 million newborns who died within the first 28 days of life. It says that in Cote D'Ivoire, lack of access to specialised care is one of the reasons that prematurity is the leading cause of death for children under five. A Unicef appeal film of Oti Mabuse's trip will feature during Soccer Aid, which will be broadcast on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player at 6pm on Sunday, June 15. Those wishing to donate to Soccer Aid for Unicef can visit This year, every donation made to Soccer Aid for Unicef will be doubled, thanks to the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, up to £5 million.
Daily Mirror
09-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Strictly star's baby heartache - 'I could only touch her through glass window'
The Dancing On Ice judge, 34, visited a neonatal clinic for the first time since her daughter was born two months premature in 2023 and needed intensive care Former Strictly star Oti Mabuse today re-lived the traumatic early birth of her baby - after jetting 3,000 miles to west Africa to meet stricken mums nursing premature tots. The pro dancer, 34, returned to a neonatal unit for the first time since she endured a 16-hour labour with her daughter, who arrived two months early, weighing 3lbs, in 2023. The baby spent the next six weeks in intensive care at University College London Hospital after she was born with an infection and Oti developed sepsis. Baby and mother recovered, but the Dancing On Ice judge has revealed her trauma after visiting a UNICEF-funded specialist clinic in Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) in Africa. In the city of Abidjan she saw how premature babies are receiving critical life-saving treatment and daily care including a UNICEF programme called "Kangaroo Mother Care" which promotes the importance of skin-on-skin contact. Reflecting on her own experience, Oti said: 'I remember the only way I could touch my child and have skin-on-skin was through this glass window – there's no mother who wants to experience that.' According to UNICEF, globally in 2024 an estimated 4.8 million children died before reaching their fifth birthday, including 2.3 million newborns who died within the first 28 days of life1. In Cote D'Ivoire, lack of access to specialised care is one of the reasons that prematurity is the leading cause of death for children under five. In Abidjan, the UNICEF team provides breastfeeding support clinics and regular check-ups until the babies are school age alongside locally made loin cloth slings, so mothers remain in close contact with their babies. At the hospital, Oti - married to fellow dance champ Marius Iepure, 42 - met Ouattara, a mother whose first baby was born prematurely and needed critical care. Sadly, without access to specialised support, her baby died six days later. Thankfully, her second baby, Abdul, although born prematurely again, was rushed to the UNICEF centre where they stayed for three weeks to get the care and attention they needed. Two years later, Abdul is a healthy and happy little boy. Oti also visited a UNICEF-supported foster care home, where the organisation supports children providing food and ensuring they stay in education or have vocational training. There, Oti met Madame Massandje, who has been trained by UNICEF to identify children living on the streets and offer them safety in her own home. As a result, she currently has 15 children in her care - four girls and eleven boys aged three to fifteen. Speaking about her inspiring trip ahead of Soccer Aid for UNICEF, Oti said: 'Visiting Côte d'Ivoire with UNICEF UK showed me the first-hand impact of the importance of vital care for children and their parents - especially for those that are born prematurely. "My own baby was born prematurely, so seeing the work and meeting mums like Ouattara brought everything home. I know how vital that care and support is in those early days. Worldwide an estimated 4.8 million children died before reaching their fifth birthday in 2024 - deaths that were mostly preventable. I also met incredible foster carers like Madame Massandje, who are changing children's lives and helping give them the start in life they deserve. These experiences showed me the real difference donations make. That's why I'm so proud to be part of Soccer Aid for UNICEF - to help give every child a safe, healthy start in life.' A UNICEF appeal film of Oti's trip will feature during Soccer Aid for UNICEF, which will be broadcast on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player at 6pm on Sunday June 15. This year, thanks to the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, every donation you make to Soccer Aid for UNICEF will be doubled – up to £5 million. Donations can be made ahead of the match at
