BABY PROOFING
Every day is full of
potential dangers for babies. Electrical
outlets, sharp corners on tables, stairs,
and household cleaners all pose potential
risks. To protect your baby, you have to see
the world at a child level. You must
recognize that they cannot distinguish
between hot or cold or sharp or dull.
Consider your lifestyle
and layout of your home when determining how
to make it safe for your baby
(baby-proofing). Examine closely every room
in which your child spends time and make
sure that everything is as safe as it can
possibly be.
When baby-proofing your
home, make sure to:
-
Protect your baby from
electrical outlets with outlet covers or
childproof plugs.
-
Fasten electrical or
speaker cords and wires with a wire
management device.
-
Prevent window blind
cords from hanging within reach of your
baby.
-
Soften sharp edges of
tables with baby-proofing bumpers.
-
Install radiator covers.
-
Install smoke and carbon
monoxide detectors.
-
Engage dead bolts on all
exterior doors.
-
Draw boundaries in your
home by using baby gates at the top and
bottom of stairs and in from of doorways
between play areas and adult areas.
-
Install child-safety
latches on any windows that are opened.
-
Install nonskid stair
treads on stairs and landings.
-
Install a pool fence
FIRST AID
Keeping your baby safe
should be of primary importance to every
parent. However, accidents unfortunately
occur from time to time. It is essential to
be prepared with the knowledge and tools
necessary to care for your baby if he should
become injured. Having a well-equipped first
aid kit is one way to be prepared in case of
an emergency.
CPR (cardiopulmonary
resuscitation) is an important skill for all
new parents. Knowing how to perform CPR may
help you revive your baby if his breathing
or heart stops. CPR classes are widely
available through the Red Cross and local
hospitals.
Keep a list of important
phone numbers in case of emergency. Place
this list in a very visible, handy location,
and make sure to show anyone who is watching
your child where to find this list. Write
down the phone numbers for the pediatrician,
any other doctors who care for your child,
the pharmacy, poison control (National
Poison Control Hotline: 1-800-222-1222), the
hospital, any necessary family members, and
of course 911. It’s also a good idea to have
a list of any medicines that your child is
taking, in case of a possible drug reaction.
COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES
Because babies have immune
systems that are not fully developed, they
are more susceptible to a variety of common
illnesses. Most of these illnesses are minor
and short in duration. The most common of
these are:
Colds – Symptoms
include nasal congestion, coughing, chest
congestion, possible fever, and
irritability. Generally, a cold will last
from three days to a week and not require a
visit to see the doctor’s office. However,
consult your baby’s doctor if:
-
Symptoms continue to
worsen after a week or don’t improve
after two weeks.
-
Wheezing or if breathing
becomes labored or difficult because of
congestion.
-
Your baby is less than
three months old, particularly if there
is a fever.
-
Tugging on ear, along
with crying, and difficulty feeding,
which could signal an ear infection.
While there is no way to
completely protect your baby from catching a
cold, there are some effective ways to
minimize the risk. Wash your baby’s hands
frequently. As well, anyone who is handling
her should also wash his or her hands. And,
of course, try your best to avoid contact
with individuals who are sick (particularly
with a fever).
Flu – Symptoms of
the flu can be similar to those of a cold,
but they often develop quicker and more
severely than a cold. As well, the flu
generally occurs between November and April.
Other symptoms that might also signal the
flu are:
The best way to prevent
the flu is to have your baby vaccinated in
the fall or early winter against the current
strain of the illness. This is particularly
important if your baby is at high risk
because of diabetes, kidney disease,
suppressed immune system, or chronic heart
or lung disease (including asthma).
Ear Infections –
Commonly develop after a cold or flu, they
can be painful and sometimes difficult to
treat. Signs of an ear infection are:
-
Fussiness and crying
-
Grabbing or tugging on
ear
-
Decreased appetite or
difficulty drinking from bottle
-
Yellow or white drainage
from ear (possibly with foul odor)
-
Fever
It’s always best to call
your doctor at the first sign of an ear
infection. Commonly, antibiotics are used to
combat the infection. Babies who are in
daycare or exposed to tobacco smoke have a
higher rate of ear infection. Breastfed
babies are less likely to develop
infections, as well as babies who have
received all of their scheduled vaccines.
While there are effective
medicines that treat the symptoms of these
common illnesses, it’s always best to
consult your baby’s doctor first.
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