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Is Using Baby Lotion on Newborns Safe?
Once you welcome your newborn into the world, caring for the little one becomes a top priority. A question many first-time mothers have is about skin care for newborns. Newborns have delicate skin that is vulnerable to irritation and dryness. Although newborn skin does not require additional moisturisation very often, the skin does get dry after baths and may require a small amount of moisturiser to replenish the natural skin oils lost due to bathing or dry air. Hence, it is safe to use lotion to protect your little one’s skin.
When Can You Start Putting Lotion on a Newborn Baby?
Newborn babies have a covering over their skin called ‘vernix’. This is a waxy layer of protection that covered their body in the womb to protect their skin from the amniotic fluid. This layer starts peeling off in the first few weeks after birth, giving the appearance of dry, flaky skin. The skin below this layer is moist enough and does not need extra moisturisation.
However, you can use a moisturiser if the baby seems to have very dry skin, especially around the ankles, elbows and hands. It is safe to use petroleum jelly, olive oil or Vitamin A-D cream to help with the appearance of the skin when the vernix is peeling off. If you want to use store-bought moisturiser, it is best to use a mild, fragrance-free one or one that has been recommended by your newborn’s paediatrician.
Why Does a Newborn Baby's Skin Need Lotion?
A newborn baby’s skin is actually quite moist under the outermost layer. However, it does need lotion or a moisturiser as it can become dry when exposed to dry air in the room and also, after a bath. It is best not to bathe your newborn baby more than thrice a week, as this can strip the baby’s delicate skin of all the oils that keep the skin soft and supple.
The baby's skin is sensitive and prone to irritation and eczema. Hence, you may need to use lotion or moisturiser to soothe skin irritation and combat baby eczema.
You can use lotions that are mild and fragrance-free to keep your newborn’s skin from becoming too dry. You can also use olive oil or petroleum jelly if you do not wish to use commercially available baby creams and lotions.
Tips to Apply Baby Lotion on Newborn
Here are some tips on how to use baby lotion on newborns:
1. Apply Lotion After Bath
Baths can dry the baby’s skin, so apply a fragrance-free, gentle lotion. Clean your hands thoroughly. Take a small amount and spread it on the palms and fingers of your hands. Gently massage the baby’s body such that the lotion spreads evenly all over.
2. Use Lotion on Areas That Look Dry
Apply lotion to areas of the baby’s body that appear very dry, such as the ankles, elbows, and hands.
3. Avoid Using More than One Product
Do not use more than one product on your baby as the chemicals in commercially manufactured lotions can harm the delicate newborn skin. Choose one that has been recommended by your paediatrician and continue with it.
Safety Measures to Take While Applying Lotion
Here are some safety tips to follow while applying lotion on your newborn:
Choose a mild lotion, free of harmful chemicals.
Clean your hands thoroughly before applying lotion on your baby’s body.
Make sure you do not have sharp nails, as you could scratch the baby’s skin when you apply the lotion.
Avoid using several baby products as this can harm the newborn’s skin.
Wash new clothes before the baby wears them to reduce the risk of skin irritations or allergies.
Do not bathe your baby more than thrice a week, as it strips the baby’s skin of natural moisture.
How to Choose the Best Lotion for Your Newborn?
To find out what is the best lotion for newborn baby, follow these tips:
Pick a mild and gentle lotion that is free of perfume, colours, parabens, phthalates, phenoxyethanol, preservatives, and organically extracted plant oils.
Choose a lotion that is doctor-recommended, rather than buying one at a store.
If you prefer not to buy lotion, you can use olive oil, petroleum jelly or doctor-recommended vitamin A-D cream.
Use a lotion that is hypoallergenic on your baby’s skin to avoid any allergic reactions.
When to Consult a Doctor?
If your baby has very dry, itchy, peeling skin along with redness, it could be eczema, and you should see a paediatrician right away. Baby eczema is usually seen on the hands, face, and back of the knees. You should also consult a doctor if the baby continues to have very dry skin despite using a moisturiser.
Although your baby's skin is moist enough and does not require lotion, it is not really unsafe to use a gentle lotion. Consult a doctor before using any new product on your baby.
Also Read: Baby Skin Care Tips Read more
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Consumption of Fenugreek (Methi) Seeds During Pregnancy
Fenugreek is a herb that is native to Asia and the Mediterranean region. Fenugreek seeds are used for cooking and medicinal purposes. Fenugreek seeds have a strong flavour and when consumed in raw form they taste bitter. Fenugreek seeds offer various health benefits. They are consumed to treat digestive and respiratory issues and to strengthen the digestive system. These seeds are also known to treat menstrual problems and induce labour. But is it really beneficial to consume these seeds during pregnancy?
Benefits of Consuming Fenugreek Seeds During Pregnancy
Fenugreek is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and it offers essential minerals and vitamins that are required during pregnancy. Here are some of the benefits of consuming fenugreek seeds during pregnancy.
Consuming fenugreek seeds during pregnancy acts as a natural combatant for gestational diabetes.
Breast enlargement is a common occurrence during pregnancy that causes breast tenderness and can be painful. However, consuming fenugreek seeds can help alleviate pain. Soak a few seeds overnight in water, strain the liquid in the morning and drink.
Fenugreek has been shown to relieve the pain associated with labour and it also helps lessen the duration of the contractions.
Consuming fenugreek during pregnancy can also help stabilise sugar levels.
Fenugreek is a natural fortifier for the immune system as well as a system cleanser. Eating fenugreek can help combat heart disease, lung disorder, influenza, and various allergies.
How Much Fenugreek Seeds Should You Eat During Pregnancy?
There are numerous ways in which fenugreek can help your body when you are pregnant, but you must include them in your diet in small to medium quantities. Fenugreek seeds, when consumed in moderation can greatly boost your immune system. It can help prevent allergies and keep you healthy. It is also a great ingredient to help boost your metabolic rate. Here is how you can them in your diet.
You can soak a teaspoon of the seeds in a glass of water overnight, strain and drink the water in the morning. Alternatively, you can incorporate the same amount in your meals. Another option is to swallow the seeds with water as is. The effect of the seeds will be slower in this case. You must also remember that you can use fenugreek leaves in your diet. A fistful of clean leaves a day is the daily recommended amount you can consume.
Tips to Include Fenugreek in Your Pregnancy Diet
Here are some ways in which you can include fenugreek or fenugreek seeds in your pregnancy diet.
While preparing food, particularly Indian food, be sure to add half a teaspoon of this spice in the tadka. This way your food becomes more flavourful while also giving you the benefits.
You can make curry with fenugreek leaves or methi. However, don’t make the food spicy. You can add some jaggery to tone down the bitterness.
Use the leaves along with spinach or lettuce to make a serving of salad every day. This will keep your stomach light and refreshed.
Soak a handful of fenugreek seeds in some water overnight, swallow the seeds, and drink the water for a hydrating and nutritionally rich start to the day.
Blend a handful of strawberries, chia seeds, honey, yoghurt, and fenugreek seeds for a power smoothie to help keep you energized throughout the day.
Soak the seeds in water overnight and use the water as a base for a soup the next day. Powder the soaked seeds and the powder to the broth, add veggies, meat, and seasoning and let it simmer. This can be a light dinner with an extremely high nutritional value.
Powder some fenugreek seeds and add the powder to a glass of watermelon juice. Squeeze some lime into it to make a mocktail that tasty and energizing.
Mix flax seeds, fenugreek seeds, coriander powder, and turmeric in a glass of warm milk and drink. This can provide relief from a sore throat and cold.
Grate some ginger and garlic, mix it with a couple of teaspoons of water, put it on a simmer and mix till it reaches a paste-like consistency, add fenugreek seeds, chives, rosemary and thyme to create a unique barbeque marinade for meat or fish.
Side Effects of Consuming Fenugreek Seeds During Pregnancy
While consuming fenugreek can be beneficial for your health during pregnancy, it can pose certain risks to your health too. Some of the side effects that may arise on the consumption of fenugreek during pregnancy are stated below.
Fenugreek seeds are known to induce contractions, hence it is advised to consume the during labour. So it is best that you avoid eating them before the 37th week as it could lead to premature labour.
Sometimes, consuming fenugreek seeds can also cause bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and nausea.
Some people are naturally allergic to fenugreek. If you are one of them then you might experience reactions like swelling, nasal congestion, and wheezing.
Consumption of fenugreek seeds in excess amounts can lead to birth defects in the baby.
Consuming fenugreek seeds just before labour may cause the baby to have unusual body odour. However, this odour does not have any long-term effects on the baby’s health.
Eating fenugreek seeds during pregnancy can be beneficial for your health but it can even lead to certain complications, especially if you eat them before the 37th week of your pregnancy. Consuming the seeds or leaves in small quantities can strengthen your immune system and help prevent allergies, but you should consult your doctor before adding fenugreek seeds or leaves to your diet. If your doctor gives a go-ahead, you can add it to your diet but you must watch out for any signs of allergy. In case of an allergic reaction, contact your doctor right away. Consult a dietician for a better idea of how much fenugreek you may require on a regular basis and what nutritional requirements your body has in particular.
Also Read: Sesame Seeds In Pregnancy: Nutrition Facts, Health Benefits & More Read more
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Jaundice in Children
Most parents recognize the fear and trepidation that comes with an illness to their child. It can be one of the most frightening things a person can go through. Not knowing about the condition also adds to this fear. This can change, as learning about an illness can not only alleviate your fears but help provide the best care possible for their child. One of the conditions that can affect numerous children worldwide is jaundice. It is an illness that has an effect on the bloodstream, liver, digestive and excretion systems of the body. This condition is easy to identify as it will turn your child’s skin and sclerae (the white part of the eyes) yellow. Jaundice can manifest in adults and kids alike.
What is Jaundice?
Amongst the numerous conditions that can affect your child, one of the easier illnesses to identify is jaundice. Although jaundice alone is not a dangerous illness, the yellowing of the skin and the white part of the eyes that it causes is a sign of a rise in bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin, commonly known as bile, is a fluid that is produced in the liver and is yellow in colour. This fluid is essential to the functions of the body, particularly the digestive tract. This fluid usually helps regulate the digestive system and is excreted through the stool. When it fails to come out through the stool and begins to work its way into your system, it can spike the amount of bilirubin in the blood which leads to a condition known as hyperbilirubinemia. This is the primary cause of the change of colour in the eyes and skin.
Types of Jaundice
1. Obstructive Jaundice
This type of jaundice is caused when the natural excretion of bile from your body is blocked causing extra bile to be present in your liver.
2. Pre-Hepatic Jaundice
Also called haemolytic jaundice, this is caused when red blood cells break down much faster than they should, red blood cells have bile particles in them and when they break down too fast it can cause excess bile in your body.
3. Hepatocellular Jaundice
Commonly called intra-hepatic jaundice, this is caused due to some form of trauma or injury that damages the liver causing a large amount of bile to be found in your body.
Causes of Jaundice in Kids
Jaundice can be caused due to numerous different reasons, some of these are:
If your baby is born premature, jaundice is common. This is because the liver is still developing and that means the bilirubin isn’t flushed out of their system, this should correct itself in two weeks.
Your child may naturally have a weak liver leading to jaundice.
The baby may have an inflamed liver which can cause jaundice.
They may contract an infection of the liver which, if serious enough, can cause jaundice.
Their bile ducts may be blocked or may prevent the excretion of bile due to inflammation of the bile ducts. Obstruction of the bile ducts could lead to the failure to flush bile out of the system and lead to jaundice.
A condition called cholestasis could be preventing your body from ridding itself of bile, this can cause jaundice as a side-effect.
An illness known as Gilbert’s syndrome is known to interfere with the normal functions of your liver by disturbing or preventing healthy enzymes from developing, this could block bile excretion causing jaundice.
Haemolytic anaemia is known to be a cause of jaundice because it speeds up the breakdown of red blood cells, this leads to excess bile being pushed out of these cells early and in other parts of your body, this can cause jaundice.
Malaria can infect the body, it is a well-known aggravator and root cause of bile instability leading to jaundice.
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are all well-known causes of Jaundice.
Sickle cell anaemia is a condition that is known to cause jaundice as a side effect.
A genetic condition known as Crigler-Najjar syndrome is a known cause of jaundice.
The most common cause of jaundice is consuming unhealthy, unhygienic and unclean water.
Symptoms of Jaundice
There are many ways to identify jaundice, some of the symptoms of this condition are:
Your skin turns yellow.
The white part of the eyes turns yellow
Frequent high fevers
Extremely itchy skin
Pale stool or yellow colour stool
Dark urine
Fatigue accompanied by other illnesses.
A rapid loss of weight
A constant bitter taste in your child’s mouth
Chills accompanied by some of the other symptoms
Extreme abdominal pain could indicate a bile imbalance
Joint pains with other signs
Diagnosis
Diagnosing jaundice can be done in different ways. Usually, the tests for adults don’t vary that much from the ones done for kids. A good way to notice if your child has jaundice is to understand that a change in skin colour, specifically to yellow is a clear-cut manner in which a doctor will diagnose jaundice. Here are some other things your doctor may ask you to do to confirm the diagnosis.
Get a K.U.B ultrasound, K.U.B stands for kidney, urethra and bladder. If the ultrasound shows abnormalities, doctors could help make the diagnosis.
Doctors may ask you to do an LFT. This is a liver function test, usually, a blood test that can help evaluate the levels of bilirubin in the blood.
The lab may take samples for a complete blood count as well as a haemoglobin count. These routine tests help doctors diagnose jaundice.
Routine urine sample to test the urobilinogen in your urine.
A urine culture further diagnoses any abnormalities in the urine that may help diagnose jaundice.
Bilirubin tests to detect the presence of bilirubin in your blood.
At times, doctors can diagnose a child with physical examinations where they check for swellings in the feet, legs and ankles, these all indicate cirrhosis of the liver and could indicate jaundice.
Treatment of Jaundice in Children
Whether it be treating jaundice for 4-year-old kids or adults, it is very important to get sufficient rest, increase your intake of fluids. In most cases, this should cure the condition and in the cases it doesn’t, here are a few other treatment techniques:
If jaundice is causing hepatitis, anti-viral medication could be prescribed to help combat the condition.
Similarly, steroids are prescribed to help combat hepatitis caused by jaundice.
In case of blockage of the bile ducts, you or your child may need surgery.
In cases of sickle cell anaemia, a complete blood cell replacement procedure may be required.
If jaundice is caused by Gilbert’s syndrome, the treatment, if any, is minimal and varies from doctor to doctor.
Jaundice caused by a bad liver cannot be fixed. Doctors, in this case, may advise a change of diet and lifestyle to help slow down the deterioration of the liver.
Talk to your physician to come up with a customized treatment plan to help you combat this condition.
Home Remedies
Apart from the medicated treatments, some parents may choose to opt for natural home remedies. Here are a few remedies that may help combat jaundice.
1. Tomatoes
Rich in enzymes that repair damaged livers called Lycopene, tomatoes are thought to have properties that can help rid your child of jaundice.
2. Turmeric
This ingredient reinforces enzymes that flush out carcinogens that hurt the liver and can help beat jaundice in kids.
3. Sugarcane Juice
It is estimated that apart from helping restore glucose, sugarcane has particular properties that can fasten recovery from jaundice.
4. Buttermilk
Not only does buttermilk re-energize and refresh your child, it hydrates them and helps improve digestion. This can help combat jaundice.
5. Barley Water
Considered the quickest and most natural cure for jaundice, it is assumed that barley water has properties that reinforce the digestive tract and liver.
6. Lemon and Beetroot Juice
Lemon juice works to reinforce and protect the liver, beetroot has properties to purify blood and help digestion. The combination of the two are known to help cure jaundice quickly and efficiently.
To learn more about natural remedies for jaundice talk to your primary health care physician.
Diet for Children Suffering From Jaundice
During jaundice, it is important to regulate your child’s diet religiously. This is because this condition can cause weakness and fatigue while also impairing nutritional value naturally. Here are a few things to keep in mind while creating a meal plan for your kids:
Ensure the diet is extremely rich in iron. This will help recovery and reinstate the lost minerals for your child. If there is a good amount of Iron in your child’s blood, they will recover faster as iron works actively to combat jaundice.
Hydration is the key. This illness will dehydrate your child rapidly and frequently, ensure they stay well hydrated throughout the day.
Keep the meals short and frequent, this will keep their energy levels up without overloading their system. This also will help digestion.
Limit protein, this could worsen jaundice. Instead, give your kids carb-rich food with no oil or fat and increase their fibre intake.
If your child has extremely low energy levels give them a glucose supplement.
Talk to a dietician and doctor before implementing a diet plan.
Prevention
Here are a few tips to help prevent jaundice:
Make sure your kids stay hygienic
Ensure your kids drink mineral or bottled water or boil the water before drinking it
Eat fresh, eat organic and eat based on a nutritional chart.
Ensure your kids get their vaccines
We recommend you talk to your doctor for more tips on how to prevent jaundice.
Jaundice can be a tough disease to face. It can exhaust your kids and you. Remember though, with the right treatment and care they can make a complete recovery. It is highly recommended that you follow through with a treatment plan for the entire prescribed duration, and ensure that good hygiene plays a huge part in your child’s routine. Diet and exercise with good hygiene can help avoid most diseases like jaundice.
Also Read: Rheumatic Fever in Children Read more
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What Is a Swaddle Bath and How to Give One?
Even while swaddling your infant might be difficult at first, it has many advantages for both you and your child. Many parents are concerned that swaddling will induce slumber in their infants or possibly put them to sleep. The truth is, the infant swaddle bath is a procedure where the baby can unwind and finally go off to sleep. Swaddling is a crucial aspect of your baby’s existence, and it’s a good idea to get started as soon as possible.
What Is Swaddle Bathing?
Swaddle immersion baths are used to wash infants while they are gently enveloped in a blanket. It is typical to immerse the child and the blanket in a tub of water, with the water reaching up to the infant’s shoulder. The infant must next be unswaddled, and each leg washed individually before being re-swaddled to complete the procedure.
Why Do Newborns Need a Swaddle Bath?
Swaddle immersion baths keep the child warm and comfortable during bath time, providing a more womb-like environment for the infant. After carefully unwrapping and cleaning each limb, it is gently rewrapped in the covers.
Benefits of Swaddle Bath for a Baby
Swaddle bath comes with many benefits. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of swaddling baths for babies.
1. Swaddling May Help Your Baby Sleep More Deeply and for an Extended Time
While a newborn sleeps around 16 hours per day, that sleep is broken into 3- to 4-hour intervals. According to some studies, swaddling newborns increases their REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. When newborns are in this more profound stage of sleep, they are less likely to awaken fully, which means that parents will spend less time at the baby’s bedside ministering to a wide-awake and weeping youngster.
2. Swaddling a Baby Who Is Weeping May Sooth Them
This is the benefit that has prompted so many parents to give swaddling a try. Consider being able to quiet a crying newborn with a few easy hand folds! However, this is not a supernatural phenomenon. Also, swaddling reduces crying in infants aged eight weeks or younger.
3. Swaddling a Baby May Help Prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Newborns that sleep on their stomachs have a higher risk of SIDS death than other babies. As a consequence, babies should be put on their backs while sleeping. Unswaddled newborns who are properly swaddled with their faces facing upward are less likely to fidget and shift during sleep, resulting in the baby ending up on their stomach.
Risks of Swaddle Bath
There are also specific hazards associated with an immersion bath. Continue reading to find out more about the dangers of swaddling newborns in tubs of water.
1. Swaddling May Delay Breastfeeding
Babies are checked, swaddled for warmth, and returned to Mom so she can nurse. Researchers discovered that swaddled babies suckled better and took to the breast sooner than skin-to-skin babies. The swaddling blanket prevents newborns from breastfeeding. Babies use their hands to identify, manipulate, and shape their nipples. The swaddled and skin-to-skin groups had similar breastfeeding capacity and impact as the older infants.
2. This Can Affect Weight
A swaddled baby’s lack of weight gain is due to delayed breastfeeding. Another theory is that unwrapped babies might not get enough contact to grow.
3. Swaddling a Child Loses Heat
Researchers found that allowing newborns to touch their mothers’ skin keep them warm. Swaddling has been shown to help regulate body temperature, but it may also increase the risk of hyperthermia. To avoid overheating, use light cotton swaddling blankets; however, it is best not to cover the head.
4. Swaddling Increases the Risk of Hip Dysplasia
Swaddling stretches hips and knees. Besides hip dysplasia, prolonged sitting in this posture can cause arthritis and leg length variations throughout a child’s life. DDH swaddling a child is harmful. Swaddle your baby, but leave room for them to bend and flex their legs.
How to Give a Swaddle Bath to Your Baby?
A home swaddle bath makes you warm, cozy, and secure with the essential guidelines for swaddle bath sessions. Follow the step-by-step guide for swaddle bath below to learn more.
What You Will Need
Infant towels
Swaddle blankets
Diapers/jammies
Infant soaps
Damp cloth
Blossoming bath
A water-resistant pad (neatly folded in half)
Instructions
A swaddle is a blanket wrapped around a baby’s underpants to keep it warm at sleep.
Extend one side across the arms to surround them.
By folding up the remaining arm, use a clean washcloth to finish the swaddling. Always begin by thoroughly cleansing the infant’s face with water.
To avoid eye infections, wipe the inside of the eyes.
Wipe the remainder of the face, including the cheeks and ears, with a clean towel.
While the remainder of your body should remain wrapped, one arm should be opened.
Re-swaddle the infant and re-pour warm water over the body to keep it warm as you wash one of the infant’s hands. Unwrap the second arm, wash it, and then rewrap it.
Following that, untie each leg and wash it in warm water before reattaching it. Repeat the technique until all of the baby’s legs are dry.
To wash the belly, pull the bottom part down while covering your arms and legs.
When you’re finished, wash your privates and put away the wash towel.
Replace the infant’s cover.
Continue washing the baby’s back by leaning back.
Finally, pour water over the baby’s head. Leaving the head until last guarantees that the baby’s body temperature is maintained and that the infant does not get too chilly due to a wet head
If the baby poops in the bath and the water has to be changed.
And give your baby another bath before venturing outside to dry and moisturize.
It may take a few tries to get the hang of it, but once you do, you’ll realize that this is the most efficient and delightful method of washing your kid!
Things to Remember When Giving Swaddle Bath
If you wrap your newborn correctly, both you and your baby will benefit from a peaceful night’s sleep. Several critical safety concerns and important tips for swaddle bath include the following:
Snugly Wrapped But Not Too Firmly: In an ideal world, you should be able to fit a few fingers between the swaddled body of the infant and the top blanket. Legs should be bent and stretched out to allow for freedom of movement.
Ascertain That Your Child Is Always On Her Back: It is the most secure posture, whether swaddled or un-swaddled. Maintain the bottom of the blanket underneath your infant.
It Is Critical To Maintain A Cool Temperature For The Infant: Swaddling may be associated with overheating and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Maintain a suitable room temperature (between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round). When it comes to keeping your youngster warm, avoid layering excessively. The body of an overheated individual will exhibit overheating symptoms such as a runny nose and puffy eyes.
Use A Swaddle For Naps And Overnight Sleep: Swaddling your infant may be an excellent alternative for assisting them in sleeping. Swaddling during the night is no more dangerous than swaddling during nap time if done correctly. You’ll have several opportunities to examine her health due to the frequency of her feedings. You may choose to monitor her more often while she is sleeping.
With this, you can now master the art of preparing for your baby’s first swaddle bath. In this way, not only will your baby be comfortable and fall asleep faster, but you can also sneak in a few additional hours of sleep yourself.
Also Read:
How Often Should You Bathe Your Infant (1 to 12 Months)?
Bathing Your Infant – Procedures, Tips and More
When and How to Stop Swaddling an Infant Read more
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Preventive Measures for Accidents in Toddlers
Parents must childproof the house, when there is a growing toddler at home. There are some injuries and accidents that a child is prone to, the most dangerous ones being electric shocks, eye injuries and puncture wounds. It is important to be well-aware of the preventive steps to avoid any mishap and also have knowledge of the treatment that follows any unfortunate incident.
There are many common injuries and accidents which toddlers are vulnerable to. Cuts and scrapes, bumps and bruises, are common reasons for toddlers to cry. However, there are some more injuries which parents need to be careful about. Electric shocks, puncture wounds and eye injuries are some accidents which can harm your child severely.
Accidents Toddlers are Prone to and Ways to Deal with them
Electric Shocks
If a child touches any source of electric current, either by his finger, foot or mouth - the current flows through his body. It can cause a split-second sensation, a serious injury or a burn, depending upon how long it was held on to and the type of current.
Some electric shocks are minor and do not cause long-term damage. However, the current which is strong, can enter the child’s body at one point and leave at another, damaging all the tissues on its way.
A child who suffers an electric shock may get skin burns, muscle contractions, headache, weakness, numbness or tingling, hearing impairments, etc. A bigger shock may leave the child unconscious, may stop his breathing, may give cardiac arrest, or even damage his brain and organs. Sometimes, it causes death too.
Immediate Action and Treatments
If you happen to observe your child getting a shock, then immediately shut of the mains or remove the fuse. If you are unable to do so, then try to break the connection of your child from the current by using nonmetallic substances like wooden objects. If he is not breathing, give him a CPR and call for emergency immediately.
At times, the child may get burns on the skin due to shock. If the burns are very minor you can apply ointments or ice and take him to the doctor. If not then take him to the emergency immediately.
Preventive Measures
Till your child learns to stay away from electrical objects, cover them with plug covers and place furniture in front of them, wherever possible, which cannot be moved by your child.
Replace frayed wires at your home, if any.
Ensure all electrical cords are out of your child’s reach.
Don’t let him go out to play or swim during lightening.
Ensure all appliances at home are labelled by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Unplug electrical appliances when not in use.
Watch over for electrical poles and downed wires when you are out with your child.
Eye Injury
The most common eye injury is when some foreign particle gets into the eye of your little one. In such a scenario, the immediate step is to ask him not to rub his eye. This would prevent him from scratching his cornea, which is the surface layer of an eye. Make your child blink several times to dislodge the particle. If it still doesn’t go, wash your hands, pull your child’s lower eyelid slightly down and the upper eyelid slightly up to see if you can locate the particle. If it has got embedded in the eye, you may need expert help. Take your child to the doctor immediately.
Treatment
If you see the object floating in the eye, gently remove it with a cotton swab or use an edge of a clean cloth.
If this doesn’t help, try to wash the eye gently with light splashes of luke-warm water.
Preventive Measures
90% of the eye injuries can be prevented. The common reasons for which children procure eye injuries are mishandling of toys, falling from beds, stairs or some other furniture, pokes with tools like pencils or forks, coming in contact with harmful chemicals like paint and cleansers, and even automobile accidents. You must childproof your home in order to avoid such malicious accidents. Remove hazards which could be dangerous for your toddler or keep them out of his reach.
When to Seek Expert Help
When the child's vision turns doubled or blurry.
When he feels constant irritation in his eye.
When he gets bothered by light or if it causes pain in the eye.
When his one eye does not function like the other one.
When pupil of one eye attains a size different than that of the other one.
Puncture Wounds
Puncture wounds refer to deep wounds that are caused by sharp objects like a nail, piece of wood or metal. They are usually not very serious, but may require treatment from a physician. They are also vulnerable to infections as germs and dirt can settle in the tissue through the deep wounded surface. Your immediate response should be to see if it is a serious injury and you need to seek medical aid. Ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly before examining the wound as they may carry germs which are likely to get transferred to the injured tissues.
Treatment
Wash the area with Savlon/Dettol and rinse for five minutes at least.
Take the child to emergency room, if you feel your child needs immediate and proper medical attention.
Also, try to stop the bleeding with a swab of cotton, however, if this does not help, take him to a doctor immediately.
In other cases, when bleeding is normal, apply antibacterial ointment after cleaning and then cover it with a clean bandage. In case the toddler complains of pain, give him an appropriate dose of acetaminophen.
In case your child is not up-to-date with the tetanus shots, he needs them without a delay. This is because an open and deep wound makes him vulnerable to a serious infection caused by the bacteria that can easily enter through the wound.
In certain cases, the doctor also gives human tetanus immune globulin shots to the toddler. This one has antibodies that keep the toddler away from tetanus infection.
Preventive Measures
Childproofing the house is important; this includes covering sharp objects and keeping them away from the toddler’s reach.
Ensure all drawers with sharp edges or pointed tools like knives are at a safe distance from the child.
Make sure he does not roam around barefoot in his house
If there are any jagged pieces of a recently broken plate or glass, keep the child away from that area and clean it thoroughly.
With these easy preventive measures, your little one can stay away from harmful injuries. While implementing these changes in your home is important, it is also essential to know about the treatment and keep a first-aid box handy so that you can act efficiently when your child faces any such problem. Read more
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