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Cradle Crap
Cradle cap is a common condition for babies, where
dry, white or yellow scales form a crusty 'cap' on the
scalp. It can range from just a few scales affecting a
small area to real crusts affecting a much larger area
on top of the head. Cradle cap doesn't hurt your baby.
Shampooing a baby's head helps to prevent cradle cap
by cleansing the scalp. Even if the baby only has
'down' and relatively little hair, shampooing is still
necessary once or twice a week. If your baby has
cradle cap, ask your pharmacist about products that
will help to loosen and remove the crusts.
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Teething
Most babies are between four and six months old when
they start to get their first teeth. Occasionally
babies are born with teeth while others may be one
year old before their first tooth appears.
Every baby is different , some will get teeth without
any problems while others are quite miserable each
time a new tooth cuts through.
When a child is cutting a tooth, the gum area where
the tooth is about to appear may be red, slightly
swollen and painful and the child may dribble more
than usual. Biting too hard on a sore gum may make a
child cry or complain.
Teething is often also blamed for other problems such
as colds, diarrhoea, fever and lots more. But teething
is a normal process; it is not an illness itself so a
child with other symptoms should be taken to a doctor
- don't just ignore them and think it's "just
teething".
Teething is not an illness. If your baby has diarrhoea,
fever or vomiting see your doctor.
How to help your baby during teething.
Give him/her a plastic ring to bite on. Teething rings
that contain cold water or gel and can be cooled in
the fridge (not freezer) may also be useful.
Give crusts or rusks to chew on. Wrap pieces of apple
or pear in muslin and give to baby to chew.
If the child seems to be in a lot of pain, ask your
pediatrics about teething gels to rub on.Pain
relieving medicines can also be used. Follow the
instructions carefully and talk to your pediatrics
about how much to rub on or give, and how often to use
a gel or medicine.
A baby's skin under the chin and around the mouth may
become red and chafed if the baby dribbles a lot. Ask
your pediatrics to recommend a barrier cream to
protect and soothe the area.
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Nappy Rash
Nappy rash can range from slight redness around a
baby's bottom to a bright red rash with sores and
patches of rough red skin.
Most babies get some form of nappy rash at some time.
Those aged between nine and 12 months are most at
risk. It is unusual to see nappy rash in newborn
babies, probably because their nappies are changed
frequently.
Prevent nappy rash by changing your baby's nappy
frequently and as soon as possible after a bowel
motion.
Clean and dry your baby's bottom every time you change
their nappy. Some baby wipes and soaps may irritate
your baby's skin. If you think this is happening, use
an alternative soap.
Let your baby play without a nappy on, eg lying on a
towel, for as long as possible at each nappy change
before you put a nappy back on. Take care if your baby
is in the sun without a nappy on as a baby's skin
burns very easily.
Use a barrier cream to protect your baby's skin. Make
sure the skin is dry before applying a barrier cream.
If you are using cloth nappies sterilize and wash them
carefully and rinse them well. Hang them out to dry in
the sun.
Sometimes nappy rash doesn't clear up and it becomes
infected. Thrush is a relatively common infection of
the nappy area and looks like a bright red shiny rash,
possiblly with raised red spots. It may spread to the
skin folds, eg in the groin and at the top of the
legs. You may need to use an antifungal cream to treat
thrush - your pharmacist or doctor can advise you
about this.
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Scarps and Cuts
If the wound doesn't appear to need stitches and isn't
bleeding heavily, wash it with gentle soap and water,
then pat dry. Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic
(like Neosporin) and cover with a Band-Aid. If you
notice any signs of infection (like redness, swelling,
or pus), see your pediatrician.
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Minor Burns
Run cool water over the affected area to soothe pain
(don't apply ice-it damages skin tissue, causing more
discomfort). To protect the skin, apply a thin layer
of petroleum jelly, and cover with a bandage. If
blisters appear, don't drain them-open ones are easily
infected.
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Sunburn
When outdoors, infants and toddlers should always be
protected from the sun with a hat and 30 SPF sunscreen
(Sunscreen isn't recommended for infants under 6
months; instead, keep your baby out of direct sunlight
and dress her in protective clothing.) But if your
baby gets a sunburn, soothe it with an aloe vera-based
cream. You can also administer over-the-counter pain
relievers, like Tylenol. If vomiting or fever occurs,
it means the burn is severe and you should see your
pediatrician.
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Bug Bites
Most insect bites and stings look like firm, raised
bumps. Care for a bee sting by gently scraping out the
stinger with a sterile pin or tweezers. Put a cold
compress on the area to relieve pain. (Note that many
kids are allergic to bee stings-if rapid swelling or
wheezing occurs, get medical help immediately.)
Mosquito bites are especially common in babies -- the
bugs are actually attracted to the hemoglobin in
infant blood. Clean and dry the bite, then apply an
over-the-counter itch relief cream, like Benadryl
ointment. To keep your child from scratching, cut her
fingernails and keep them clean.
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Knots and Bruises
Apply an ice compress to the area to help numb pain
and reduce swelling. To relieve soreness, administer
an over-the-counter pain reliever like Tylenol or
Ibuprofen. If your child seems lethargic, disoriented,
or vomits after bumping his head, seek medical care to
check for a concussion.
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Motion Sickness and Nausea
It's best not to give babies and toddlers medication
for nausea -- doctors say it can make stomach upset
worse. Simply let your child rest and call your
pediatrician if symptoms worsen or don't subside
within a few hours.
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