How2 Make a First Aid Kit

This should be one of the first things you ever need to organize if you have kids at home.  May I go further and suggest you take a St John’s first aid course if possible, it’s more than just a life skill – you won’t know until it becomes a life saver.  So if you haven’t already got one at home,

 

You will need

 

·         One roll of Medical adhesive tape

·         Two rolls of gauze

·         A package of sterile gauze pads (separately wrapped)

·         A box of small adhesive strip bandages ( Band-Aids)

·         One or two elastic wraps(Elastocrepe)

·         Cotton swabs

·         An antiseptic lotion or cream for minor cuts and burns

·         A thermometer

·         A pair of scissors

·         Tongue depressors

·         A torch with extra sealed batteries

·         A backup supply of a prescription drug if someone in the family has a chronic condition that requires daily medication

·         List of important names and telephone numbers, including your doctor and of nearest hospital emergency room.

You can personalize it to suit a particular condition and add the necessary items. So if you would rather go buy a St. Johns first aid kit sold at all pharmacies, don’t bother reading this list. But otherwise, please make an effort to have this kit nicely labelled and ready for use.

 

Also see:

How2 KeepKids Safe from Poisons

 

 

How2 Keep Kids Safe from Poisons

Children are most at-risk for accidental poisonings in our very homes and backyards. Medicines, household cleaners, garden chemicals, personal care products, plants and art supplies all can cause poisoning. We have to use a common sense approach to most things around the house. Here is mine..

Keep all medications and chemicals out of reach. Sincerely where do you keep yours? In the bathroom bottom cabinet at the back in the far corner, hoping no one will notice? This is a BIG NO. Keep these in their “original” containers, on the top most shelf and locked in a cabinet.

Keep the Emergency help line phone numbers handy. Stick the local poison control number, doctor, emergency department and such near the home phone and enter it into your cell phone and home phone contact lists. You will not have to encounter any short term memory loss problems that occur when faced with extreme/dire situations. Call your nearest poison control centre or 911 if you think your child has been poisoned.

Follow directions on product labels. Its important to keep these products in their original packaged containers. They are legally required to provide information labels on first aid and other pertinent information in case of accidental swallowing or exposure to skin or eye contact. Many poisonings can be prevented simply by paying attention to advice on the packaging.

Avoid keeping night pills on the bedside table. This may be a convenience for you but not at your child’s peril. Take the trouble to walk down to the washroom locked cabinet or wherever its stored safely.

Educate children how to dial 911 (or whatever emergency phone number is applicable for your local area). You will be surprised little children do remember phone numbers and there are reported cases of how little kids have in fact called for help in emergencies.

How2 Relieve Diarrhea in Children

Diarrhea, or frequent watery bowel movements, can be caused by food, viruses, bacteria, even teething. Diarrhea can be serious if it causes dehydration, so it is important to offer more fluids. The signs of dehydration include no wet diapers or no urinating, dark yellow urine. Infants under 18 months with diarrhea symptoms can have a sunken soft spot on their head, poor appetite, irritability and weight loss too.

•  It is advised to continue breast feeding or formula milk as normal. In some cases, the doctor may advise to dilute formula milk, only for a short period of time as calories will be reduced, or even try a lactose-free milk for a while.

• In over twos, offer clear liquids, including water, broth, ginger ale, white grape juice, herbal tea, ice-blocks or popsicles.
• Avoid foods/beverages with sorbitol such as prune, pear, cherry, apple juice.
• Avoid caffeine such as tea, coffee, colas.
• Good foods to offer are bland foods such as rice, pasta, potatoes and lean protein in cooked eggs or chicken. Avoid high sugar / high fat foods.
• Oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte is recommended.

You should consult your doctor or paediatrician if diarrhea symptoms continue and for all infants aged less than a year.

 
Also See:

How2 Relieve Constipation in Children
How2 put on weight for Children
How2 Deal with Constipation
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How2 Relieve Constipation in Children

Three factors are involved in good bowel movements.

1. Body Movements: Stools move in the intestine by body movements like walking or running. The physical motion causes slight movements in the intestines.

2. Fiber rich food absorbs more water and so that causes stools to move in the intestine better than dried stools.

3. The lubricator in the intestine is mucus. When there is less mucus it results in constipation.

• Constipation in infants on exclusive breast-milk is related to the type of food mother eats. Soak fenugreek seeds and add while cooking rice and eat this; the constipation in the infant relieves immediately.
• Give a few drops to a teaspoon of sterile water (boiled and cooled water) before breast feeding.
• Once your child is on solid foods, serve a fruit or vegetable with meals and snacks and serve whole-grain foods with at least one meal a day.
• Make sure your child gets enough water/fluid. Fruit, vegetables, and cooked grains have the added benefit of providing fibre plus a natural source of liquid.
• If you mix your own formula, make sure it is not over concentrated.
• Serve natural laxatives. You can use any cooked fruit recipe like applesauce or Yoghurt with Prune sauce.
• Physical activity improves digestion and defecation, so install good habits early. For infants, move their legs gently in cycling motion and gently massage the abdomen in circular movements using a olive or almond oil.

! Do not give your child a laxative without the doctor's guidance.

Also See:

How2 Make Yoghurt with Prune Sauce
How2 Relieve Diarrhea in Children 
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How2 Put on Weight for Children

In a century where many people suffer from obesity, it is tough to find information on how to help your kids gain weight. Here are ten tips I've found useful.

 

1. Check with your doctor to see if your child could be underweight due to a food allergy, food intolerance or other medical issue. Celiac disease (wheat and gluten intolerance) is relatively common disorder that can cause nutrient absorption problems and stunted growth.
2. A friend's child was underweight due to a milk allergy. Dairy allergies are also common problems and another area to consider. Besides having a medical check up, you can also just try different diets for a week and track your child's weight each day. For one week keep your child off dairy products and see if that results in any weight gain. Research studies are conflicting on whether milk helps children lose or gain weight, so trial and error may be the best way to determine what is best for your child.
3. Track how many calories your child eats each day. Children can be underweight for a variety of reasons. Some may not have much of an appetite and may not be taking in enough calories. Another possible reason is that your child may be eating enough food but is not absorbing the foods he or she eats. Tracking daily calorie intake, even if just for a few days, can help to narrow down the possible causes for your child's low body weight. You can keep track of this yourself with a pencil and paper in a notebook, or if you are really serious about tracking your child's calorie intake, you can buy a nutrition software program for kids called Nutribase. With this program you can enter what your child eats each day and compare the actual values to recommended amounts of calories, fats, protein and most vitamins and minerals based on your child's goal weight and activity level.
4. Zinc deficiency is one possible cause of a lack of appetite. Children should get their zinc from food only, since they only need 2 to 5 milligrams daily depending on their age. Good sources of zinc are blackberries, red meat, beans, fish, eggs, some crackers and cereals.
5. Research has shown that people tend to eat the same volume (about five pounds) of food each day, whether that food is high or low in calories. So the objective is to provide foods that are low in weight but high in energy density, but still healthy, like nuts and dried fruits. There are many foods like cookies and doughnuts that have high energy densities but only provide empty calories. Try to avoid serving those at home and only focus on foods that are both nutritious as well as energy dense. See: Relatively healthy foods with high energy densities.
6. Kids are allowed to eat more fat than adults, especially full cream milk, butter and cream cheese. They need fat for growth and development of various body functions.
7. Kids who are underweight often do better with cooked foods. Cooking usually makes foods easier to digest. Cooking also helps destroy any bacteria, fungus, and such that may be on the food. Foods that have been simmered for a long time, likes soups and stews, are easiest to digest.
8. For dessert try serving fruit with real whipped cream for some extra calories. If your child has a dairy allergy you can use coconut cream instead.
9. Have healthy snacks like nuts, dried fruits, bread and cheese easily available so your kids can feed themselves when you busy or not around.
10. Always plan to have enough food for leftovers at meals. Then if your children have an increased appetite for a given meal, you will have enough food to keep feeding them until they are full. Otherwise, you will have leftovers for healthy snacking.

 

 

Also See:

How2 Find Relatively healthy foods with high energy densities

How2 Boost your Immunity
How2 Lose Weight
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How2 Know when Baby is ready for solids

There is no right age when to start solids as every baby is different. There is no need to rush weaning early and definitely not before 4 months; it is usually between 4 and 6 months though. Just because the Jones' baby has begun solids is no reason for you to do the same.

 

Here are some clues to a child's readiness for solid food.

• 
  
  He can sit up with assistance
• 
  
  His weight has doubled since birth
• 
  
  He is hungry after his regular nursing sessions (6 to 8 times a day).

Simple rules to feed by:

• Feed only breast milk or formula as the primary source of nutrition for the first year - no cow's milk until after 1 year
• Introduce some solids around 4-6 months (see above). This will teach baby the skills necessary to chew, eat and become familiar with different tastes and textures.
• Add a good source of iron by 6 months (iron-fortified cereal, red meat)
• Serve solid food pureed or mashed
• Avoid hard round foods to avoid choking
• Do not add salt or sugar to meals
• Serve food warmed to body temperature
• Limit juices to 4-6 ounces per day
• Serve only one new food at a time and wait 2-4 days before trying a new one, so you can identify if a new food is not well tolerated or causes an allergic reaction.

Also See:


How2 Cope with a Picky Eater
How2 Care for your Baby's Skin
How2 Care for your Baby's Hair
Homepage


 

 

Find Relatively healthy foods with high energy densities

• Pasta tossed with with olive or canola oil and shredded cheese.
• You can use durum wheat pastas made partly with dried vegetables, such as spinach or tomato, for some added nutrition.
• Nuts - almonds, pecans, pistachios, peanuts (be aware of peanut allergy), cashews, etc.
• Dried fruit - raisins and dried bananas are good for weight gain. You can eat a dried plum much quicker than a whole plum but they both have the same amount of calories.
• Even for older kids, baby foods like banana or banana with strawberries can make a healthy, relatively high calorie snack.
• I think baby food is helpful for weight gain because the blending and mixing with water make it easier to digest.
• Higher calories vegetables include peas, corn, potatoes, yams and sweet potatoes. Mashed potatoes with butter and cream are an instant hit with kids.
• Nutritious high calorie drinks, like fruit and vegetable juices, may be helpful for weight gain.

  Go Back to:   How2 Put on Weight for children
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How2 Calculate Paracetamol Dosage for Children

It is very important you administer the correct dosage for infants and children for any medication. Correct dose should be given every 4 to 6 hours as required with not more than 4 doses in 24 hours.

Paracetamol liquid for children is available in two strengths :

120mg/5mls and 250mg/5mls. See the prescription or medication label for confirmation. To avoid the danger of accidental overdose - which can be serious in children - it is advisable to use lower dose of Paracetamol 120 mg/5mls.

Formula

If you want to calculate the correct dosage for your child's weight, use this formula:

(15 x child's weight) / 120 x 5 (for 120mg/5ml strength Paracetamol) .. OR

(15 x child's weight) / 250 x 5 (for 250mg/5ml strength Paracetamol)

Paracetamol Dosage chart if using 120mg/5ml :

Weight (kgs)    Dose (ml)
4                    2.5
5                    3.0
6-7                 4
8-9                 5
10-11              6
12-13              7
14-15              8
16-17              9
18-19             10

! Please keep Paracetamol and out medications out of reach of children.



Also See:
How2 Deal with Coughs and Colds
How2 Relieve Chest Congestion
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How2 Cope with a Picky Eater

Coping with a picky eater or I'd rather say, a child who does not like to try new foods is very similar to how you create a good eater.

•  Maintain a regular eating routine/schedule.
• Eat as a family and eat at a designed eating location (avoid eating in front of the TV).
• Serve at least three foods at each meal and at least two for snacks, and make one of them a fruit or vegetable
• Combine a familiar food with a new food
• Trust that your child knows what he needs
• Offer new foods 8 to 15 times before he accepts it readily
• Teach by example; eat a variety of foods so children learn to experiment and accept new foods.
• Allow your child to stay active and exercise during the day to build appetite.
• Pick your battles. Setting limits and deadlines can be tough. Healthy eating skills are first priority in the early years while table manners can follow when child is a bit older.
• Don't force, smile and have fun.

Let's not label our child 'picky-eater', and rather encourage them towards good healthy eating habits.

 

Also See:

How2 Care for your Baby's Skin

How2 Put on weight for Children

How2 Find Relatively healthy foods with high energy densities

Homepage

 

How2 Deal with Tantrums

Is the child hungry? tired? bored? unwell?

Remember they are very self-focused; they rarely throw tantrums when they are happy feeding the ducks or being pushed on a swing. But as soon as we try to leave the park, the tantrum is unleashed!

Their patience is limited, their attention span short, and their legs are little. Be reasonable about your expectations while out shopping, visiting friends, or sitting in waiting rooms.

Humour them: "Look! There goes a purple crocodile!!"; "Shh I can hear a fairy!" Sometimes these work, so it's worth a try.

Distraction: "Come on, we'll go and blow some bubbles." or begin to sing a silly song, pull a funny face, make a strange sound.

Cuddles: Do they just need to be held? A hug offered might shorten the tantrum.

Ignore: Can you ignore it? Who is it really bothering? Perhaps they just need a decent scream and stamp to relieve some energy and anger.

Consistency: Don't be inconsistent and give in. They will soon learn that they can get you to change your mind if the tantrum works, so it's worth their while to continue with tantrums to see if you give in first.

Catch them when they're good: make a fuss of them with praise and encouragement, especially when you can anticipate a tantrum: "Wow, you're doing so well learning to share your toys. We're so proud of you!" (Three year olds respond quite well to this sometimes!)

The more you can learn to anticipate tantrums, the more you may be able to avoid them.

Also See:
How2 Cope with a Picky Eater Put on weight for Children


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How2 Avoid Cavities

Cavities occur when decay-causing bacteria collect in the sticky substance called plaque. When your child eats a sweet or starchy food the bacteria release an acid that can cause cavity. The longer a tooth is in contact with the acid, the greater the chance a cavity can form. That's why brushing to remove plaque needs to become an early habit.

To avoid cavities:

• Clean your child's teeth with gauze or infant toothbrush twice a day once teeth emerge. Brushing, twice a day, with a child-friendly toothpaste is a 'must'.
• Give only water before nap time or bedtime. Formula milk, juice, soda all contain carbohydrate, the nutrient bacteria thrive on.
• When your child eats sticky foods such as dried fruit, gummy bears etc. brush their teeth or at the very least give it a rinse.
• Avoid sugary snacks in favor of snacks with some protein, such as cheese, nuts or a hard-boiled egg.
• Foods that require a lot of chewing, such as peppers, cucumbers, celery, and carrots are great choices.
• Popcorn, plain crackers, and rice cakes are less likely to cause cavities than cookies, candy, or granola bars.
• It is not possible to feed your child a sugar-free diet. Sugars occur naturally in milk, bread, and fruit. It is good to reduce added sugars, but even the best of diets all children still need to brush regularly.

Also See:

How2 Care for your Baby's Skin

How2 Relieve Colds and Coughs

How2 Cope with a Picky Eater

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How2 Relieve Eczema

Increasingly common in children, eczema can be triggered by various foods and environmental factors. It is closely associated with asthma and allergies.

Atopic dermatitis or eczema is by definition an extremely itchy skin rash. Common symptoms are patches of rough, flaky, red skin particularly on face, elbows, knees, armpits, skin folds.

Contact dermatitis is an allergic skin reaction to a particular substance like cosmetics, leather or nickel. The rash usually appears at the site of contact.

! Allergic reactions can occasionally be life-threatening and you must consult your doctor immediately. Please read cautionary alert at the bottom !

Identify the cause:  First of all identify the triggers that cause eczema flare ups. It could be dust mite, harsh detergents, pollen, various food allergies etc. Ask your doctor to organise a skin prick test or blood test done at the laboratory to pin point the cause(s). You may have to maintain a food diary to note down all foods consumed and reactions observed over a given period of time. Then get a management plan drawn up in consultation with your doctor/paediatrician.

Minimise / eliminate triggers as far as possible to avoid recurrences.

Prevent itching: This is the most important part of treatment. Scratching may cause the rash to become infected. Itching is provoked by changes in temperature, fabrics like wool, and some soaps. Try to keep children in clean cotton clothes and apply moisturising creams "generously" after bath.

Corticosteroid cream:  To manage flare ups, your doctor might prescribe a hydrocortisone cream to be applied sparingly on affected parts. It helps the rash clear up sooner, soothes the itching and helps to prevent scarring and skin darkening. In severe cases, your doctor may use his discretion to prescribe something more potent. These steroid creams should be used sparingly and avoid long term use as it may cause skin thinning.

Anti-histamine: Your doctor may prescribe anti-histamines to be taken orally, especially at night to prevent itching at night and improve sleep.

Some basics you should remember:

Moisturize Moisturize Moisturize: Apply lotion soon after bath so that the moisture is locked into the skin and apply "liberally". Vaseline makes a great fragrance-free, dye-free moisturizer and it can battle the driest of skin. Or your doctor can prescribe an Aqueous cream or another alternative lotion. (See below for aromatherapy alternatives).

If the emollient moisturising creams causes the itching to increase or inflame the skin, discontinue use and try an alternative brand.

Have the bath water tepid and not too hot. Do not scrub skin with the wash cloth. Instead gently rub the soap or cloth over body. Also pat skin dry with towel rather than rubbing.

To reduce scratching, keep your child's nails short. It may be helpful to use cotton mittens on little children's hands at night.

Use laundry detergent, soap and lotion that are free of fragrance and dyes.

 

Try and minimise dust as far as possible in the surrounding living areas, especially bedrooms.

Contact dermatitis is an allergic skin reaction to a particular substance like poison ivy, cosmetics, leather or nickel in jewellery, zippers, coins. The rash usually appears at a site where there is direct contact to the offending substance, although rash can appear in other unexposed areas too. The affected area is red and swollen and blisters may form. It's extremely itchy. Treatment is by avoiding the allergen substance or removing it and thoroughly washing the affected area. Cool compresses and steroid creams may be used to relieve the symptoms. In severe cases (such as poison ivy) a doctor will have to prescribe further treatment.

Aromatherapy alternatives

Essential oils: One of the best ways to relieve itchy skin is a soothing bath with essential oils, and children love the scent. Add 1 tblsp almond, jojoba or sunflower oil to the child's bath, together with 2-3 drops of either lavender or geranium essential oils.

Make a soothing oatmeal bath: Put a small quantity of organic oats in a muslin bag, together with 1/2 tsp of almond oil and a drop of lavender essential oil. Hang this bag over the tap as you run the water for the bath.

For a skin soothing cream: mix 120 ml of calamine lotion with 2 drops of lavender or geranium essential oils.

Vitamin A helps keep skin soft, smooth and healthy, so a deficiency can worsen an eczema. So can a lack of zinc and essential fatty acids, which cause skin to become dry and sensitive. Boost your child's intake of omega3 oils, which are found in oily fish such as salmon and mackerel. Zinc rich foods are like blackberries, red meat, beans, fish, eggs, some crackers and cereals. Vitamin A can be found in liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, mangoes, spinach, dried apricots, milk, egg yolks etc.

ALERT:   If your child appears sick or has difficulty breathing, swelling of lips or tongue, medical help should be sought urgently - remember URGENT CALL THE DOCTOR. The doctor may need to be administer adrenalin by injection immediately.

Also See:
How2 Manage House Dust Mite
How2 Care for your Baby's Skin
Homepage
 

How2 Care for Baby Skin

Children's skin care is almost entirely in the hands of parents.  Healthy skin can often mean a happy baby. The goal of infant skin care is to minimise skin irritation and that means proper cleansing and maintenance.

Bathtime: Choose a time of day that's not too hectic or busy so you can devote your full attention to your baby. It's better to bathe your baby before a feed, as long as he or she is not hungry. You need to avoid over-bathing and use plain water with a mild non-soap cleanser that will help prevent dehydration.

Choose fragrance-free and color-free bath and skin care products whenever you can! If you wish to scent your baby's bath, add 3-4 drops only of lavender oil to the tub of water. (Lavender oil is not to be taken internally)

Some parents choose to massage baby before bath. The benefits of massage have been recently researched and proven. Use a good quality oil like almond oil, coconut oil or grapeseed oil. You can also use organic olive oil from your pantry if baby oil runs out. You can make your own aromatherapy baby oil using one or two drops of Lavender and/or Chamomile Essential Oils to 4 ounces of your favorite carrier oil (e.g. almond or olive oil). Put a few drops on you hands, rub together to warm, use to moisturize and massage baby’s skin. Use long, gentle strokes as if caressing your baby rather than hard and rough strokes. Babies love massage and feel relaxed and soothed after a good massage and bath, ready for a restful nap.

After your baby's bath, soothe and moisturise your baby's skin by gently massaging with baby lotion (good example is Aqueous cream) or almond oil. Apply a barrier cream or nappy rash cream or powder to baby's bottom as necessary.

Chamomile, aloe, calendula, marigold, and arnica are some ingredients to look for in in lotions and oils. In humid climates, you might need to use a little baby powder (but never use talc) in the creases of the baby's skin, underarms, genital area, and neck. Choose scent-free powders made with cornstarch or bentonite clay.

Many bubble bath products for young children are based on detergents that destroy beneficial bacteria and harm the baby's acid mantle. They are also a leading cause of vaginitis and urinary tract infections in infants. Hence, reserve bubble baths for rare occasions as a privilege.

It is important to change nappies as often as possible to keep baby's skins dry and clean.

Allowing fresh air to get to your baby's bottom whenever you can will also reduce the likelihood of diaper rash. Use a barrier cream such as Zinc oxide cream (various brands available) before putting a nappy.

Common skin problems

Dry skin that peels after birth: When a baby is full term or a little late, parents may see a little bit of peeling of the skin, particularly around the wrists and by the feet and ankles. Moisturisers can be helpful for smoothing out the skin.

Infant acne: Tiny red or white pimples are a result of the mother's hormones circulating through the baby's system. They usually appear at about two weeks of age and nothing needs to be done because, as the hormones leave the baby's system, the acne will disappear.

Heat rash: This may develop in hot, humid weather or if the baby is dressed too warmly. The pores in the skin become blocked, causing small pink pimples. This can be avoided by not overdressing your baby and by not overheating your baby's room. When the humidity drops very low, in a cold environment, the skin begins to crack and flake.

Cradle cap: This shows up as crusty patches in the scalp and eyebrows and is caused by overactive glands. Gently rub baby oil on your baby's scalp and leave on overnight to dislodge the crust. Loosen the scales gently using a comb before washing and rinsing your baby's hair.

Chafing: Can occur whenever skin rubs against skin or there is friction between baby's clothing and skin. Use a small amount of baby talcum, cornstarch powder or lotion on the skin and avoid rough fabrics or tight clothes. Cotton clothes are very soft against the skin. Don't use woollen clothing without another layer of clothing between the wool and your baby's skin as wool is very harsh on the skin. Some polyesters can be scratchy as well.

Nappy Rash: If your baby develops a nappy rash, use a Zinc Oxide cream or other nappy rash cream (such as Sudocream) on the inflamed area. If the rash does not clear, the skin may break and become infected and you should see your doctor.

Sun Protection: Babies are more susceptible to the harmful ultraviolet rays. Infants burn not only from direct sunlight but also from reflected sunlight from water, sand and concrete. Ensure that your baby's head is covered with a wide brimmed hat; dress your baby with protective clothing and use a very high protection sunscreen, formulated for tender young skin, on the exposed areas. Also, avoid or limit exposure to the sun between 10am and 3pm. During the day, if the child's skin is going to be exposed to the sun, a sunscreen is essential. The UVA-protecting active ingredients should preferably be titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. (Avobenzone does protect from UVA rays, but it can be a skin irritant and the goal here is to eliminate all sources of irritation as much as possible.) Formulations with only titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as the active ingredient are best because of their reduced risk of irritation compared to other sunscreen ingredients. Besides, babies don't mind the white cast these kinds of sunscreens give to the skin.

Skin allergies: Reactions caused by many factors - genetic, environmental and bodily. To develop an allergic skin rash you need to come in contact with a substance and then have an immune response against it, so that when you're re-exposed to that substance you get the rash. Not every rash your baby develops is a true allergy, it is often a common skin irritation, so it is advisable to have the infant evaluated and see what other things may be going on.

How2 Care for Your Baby's Hair

Most babies and small children hate having their hair washed. This just makes it all the more difficult in cajoling them to get their hair washed and to keep it that way.

• It's a myth that shaving a baby's head will cause the hair to grow back thicker and fuller than before. However, there is no evidence that hair grows faster or thicker from shaving. It merely appears to grow faster.
• An infant's hair is very delicate and soft as cotton. Be extremely gentle with newborn's hair especially their soft spot on the top of their head or fontanelles.
• Coconut hair oil is a good conditioner for the hair and prevents hair from drying out and tangling.
• You can also use it to gently massage their scalp and hair before bath. But please be very careful to avoid applying pressure on the soft spot.
• Gently comb through your baby's hair to remove any tangles before shampooing.
• There is no need to wash every day. Simply wash your child's hair on an as needed basis, or every few days.
• Use specially made baby shampoos that promise not to cause irritation if the soap comes in contact with your baby's eyes. These products are also free of sulphates that are in most adult shampoos. However, it is also important to consider that baby shampoos tend to have a higher pH-balance, which may lead to more tangling of the hair. One option is to use baby shampoos when your child is very young and has short hair and then switch to very mild shampoos as your child ages and develops longer hair.
• Occasionally, your child may have "cradle cap" which is usually harmless and clears on its own in due course. You might start with a mild, non medicated baby shampoo. Brushing your baby's scalp with a soft brush, like a toothbrush, can help loosen scales or flakes. But be gentle when massaging or brushing your baby's scalp - a break in the skin makes it vulnerable to infection. If a non medicated shampoo doesn't work, talk to your doctor about switching to a shampoo that contains tar. Or your doctor may recommend a prescription shampoo that contains 2% ketoconazole.
• While washing your child's hair, it's easiest to gently recline your infant backwards while holding them in the bath. You can then shampoo and rise their hair.
• It's a good idea to have a second person on hand to help during bathing time.
• Hold them confidently and securely in the bath and speak in a comforting tone of voice to help put your child at ease. They can see and sense your anxiety so be confident and reassuring.

How2 Relieve Chest Congestion

When your toddler is suffering from chest congestion, it can be difficult to know what to do. Recent recommendations by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggest not giving any type of cough or cold medication to children under the age of six. See your pediatrician if your toddler's chest congestion does not improve in 10 days, or if it worsens after five days.

However, it's important to note that if you should use them for yourself, Cough expectorants thin out the mucus as opposed to a suppressant.

Give extra fluids during the day. The advantages of this are twofold. First of all, it will help prevent dehydration. This is a common problem, especially if your toddler has a sore throat or is running a fever. Secondly, the extra liquids will help thin out the drainage and mucus that is causing the chest congestion. The best choice is water. Offer juice diluted with water if your toddler is not a big water drinker.

Sit in the Steam / Go play in the bathroom. Turn the shower on to its hottest setting for a while and close the door to let the steam accumulate. Take some toys or a favorite game with you and your toddler. Close the door and watch your toddler carefully during this time to prevent burns. Pat your child on the back firmly. The steam and the patting help break up and loosen the congestion. This might cause your toddler to cough, which can be a good thing. A productive cough helps relieve the chest congestion.

Give a teaspoon of honey four times a day, especially before nap time and bedtime. Honey has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It also helps soothe a sore throat and chest.

! DON'T give honey to infants under one year of age for fear of causing botulism.

Apply Vick's BabyRub to your toddler's chest and back, especially before bedtime. Also apply it to your toddler's feet, make sure to cover them with socks or place him in footie pajamas. The BabyRub contains eucalyptus, rosemary and lavender, which will help soothe your toddler and calm his cough. Vick's BabyRub is safe for toddlers.

Turn on a Humidifier in the bedroom while he sleeps. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which will help to loosen mucus and congestion. Be sure to clean the humidifier according to the manufacturer's directions.

Sleeping in a more upright position will help relieve some of your toddler's cough and allow him to sleep better. Simply place a pillow underneath the end of the mattress where your toddler normally lays her head to get a gradual slope.

Dry fermentation: Take a cotton cloth or thick napkin and heat it on a dry pan and use this to ferment the chest, back, forehead to relieve congestion. Test that it's not too hot before touching your child.

Roasted Chickpeas and rock salt fermentation: Cover these in a cotton cloth and tie the loose ends. Heat on a dry pan and use this to ferment the chest and back to relieve congestion. Test that it's not.

Onion, Vinegar and Cornmeal fermentation: I have recently read this but haven't tried yet. Any feed-backs welcome.  Slice an onion very thin. Saute' the slices in apple cider vinegar until clear. Add cornmeal to the onion/vinegar. Just enough to slightly thicken. It will thicken more as it cools. Cut a large square of an old t-shirt and fold it twice to make a thick pad. Put the mixture into this pad and tie loose ends with a string. Use this pouch to ferment the chest, as hot as one can stand it. The "fumes" from the onions and vinegar will penetrate and break up the chest congestion.

 On babies, it's not advisable to apply directly on the chest. Rather, cradle the baby in your arms with a blanket thrown over them and hold the pouch in your hand, under the blanket, so they will breathe it in.

If you can get them to do it, the mucus will come up and be clear in an hour or two. You may need need to keep doing this for several applications if the congestion is really bad.

 Also see:
How2 Relieve Colds and Coughs
How2 Boost your Immunity

How2 Relieve Colds & Coughs

Unlike the flu virus, which can cause muscle aches, fever and pain, a cold attacks the upper respiratory system, causing sneezing, coughing and nasal drainage. Severe cold viruses also bring on a fever or headache. Fever developing several days after symptoms onset indicates secondary infection and needs to be checked by a doctor.


Most doctors advise bed rest to help your body's immune system fight off the colds and flu. Heed this advice.

You can try any of these well-known home remedies that work well for your kids and family.

 

! Note children under 12 months should not be give honey
! For all home remedies, if symptoms persists, and if fever exists, please see a professional doctor.

Honey   Ginger   Lemon   Orange   Tumeric   Salt   Onion    Eucalyptus   Peppermint   ChickenSoup   Star Anise Vitamin C   Zinc    Echinacea    Garlic

Salt Water: Gargles for sore throats. You can also add a pinch of turmeric.

Honey, Lemon & Ginger: Make a warm concoction to drink. Alternatively, just have honey with warm water and a squeeze of lemon. ! Note children under 12 months should not be give honey

Increase fluids intake: especially hot liquids to relieve nasal congestion, prevent dehydration and soothe the inflamed membranes lining your nose and throat.

Steaming: to relieve congestion. For little babies, you can run a steamy shower for a while and then take baby with you in the shower box for a little while.

Apply hot packs: around your congested sinuses to make you feel comfortable. Take a damp washcloth and heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds.

Elevate: Keep extra pillows under your head to drain the nasal passages. If you feel uncomfortable in this position, place the pillows between the mattress and the box springs to create a more gradual slope.

Vicks Vaporub: Rub well on the chest and back till you feel the heat on your fingertips. Rub some on the feet and put on some warm socks. Remember to keep warm after applying vicks and stay covered under a blanket. For children under 2 years, you should use Vicks Baby Balsam.

Eucalyptus and peppermint oil: Mix olive oil with a few drops of eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil and rub this on the chest.

Turmeric milk: After supper drink. Take a cup of milk and add 1tsp turmeric pwd, 1/4tsp black pepper pwd and a pinch of cardamom seed pwd. Boil this well and then drink it lukewarm.

Hot Drink called 'Kada': for nasty Coughs: It doesn't taste great but is effective. Have it regularly during the day.   See: How2 make Kada

Lavender, Eucalyptus or Tea tree oil: burned in a diffuser/vaporizer will help ease a stuffy nose. In case of infants/toddlers, please talk to your pediatrician first.

Onions: To stop a runny nose, dip a freshly cut slice of onion in a cup of hot water and persuade your child to drink it.

You can also soften a chopped onion in a couple tablespoons of honey (or sugar) for 30 minutes. Drain off the onion juice and give it at regular intervals.

Garlic: has antibiotic, anti-fungal and antiviral properties & has been used to alleviate the common cold for many years. Using a garlic press, crush the garlic pod and add a little honey to make it go down easier and have at least twice a day. It's nasty and hard on some people's stomach and some may feel nauseous, but if you can stomach it, its great. Drink a full glass of water with it and also eat something right after. So use caution if you want to try this with children.

Chicken Soup: Serve it as hot as one can take. Studies have proven this age old remedy to relieve cold symptoms and stuffiness. It's also nourishing especially when appetite is waning and helps keep up your fluid intake.    See: How2 make Chicken Soup or How2 make East Indian Chicken Soup

Vitamin C: Eat citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, amla (Indian gooseberry), kiwifruit, strawberry, guava, raspberry, blackberry, nectarines, peaches, mango, broccoli, tomato, potato, cabbage or take supplements available in all health stores. Chewable Vitamin C lozenges are available for children.

Zinc: has been shown to reduce the duration and intensity of symptoms. It is beneficial in increasing the number of infection fighting cells in our bodies.

! Children should not use zinc supplements for the common cold, instead give them zinc rich foods like blackberries, red meat, beans, fish, eggs, some crackers and cereals.

! Don't take Zinc without your doctor's or pharmacist' s approval

! Never take more than the recommended dosage. For women ages 19 and older, the recommended dietary amount is 9 milligrams, while men older than 19 should have 11 milligrams. Children should get their zinc from food only, since they only need 2 to 5 milligrams daily depending on their age.

Zinc lozenges or Zinc Gluconate supplements can be found at the health store and should be taken during the onset of cold, but refrain from using after 5 days. While using zinc short term does not lead to common side effects, it may cause mouth irritation or upset stomach in some individuals. Long term use is greatly discouraged because it can cause copper deficiency in the body.

B  R A T: If you are sick and cannot eat much remember this acronym. It stands for Bananas, Rice, Apples and Toast. Those are good foods to eat if your stomach is upset and it may be due to the medicines you are taking.

Prevention is better than cure.

• 
  
  Cover mouth and nose while sneezing/coughing
• 
  
  Wash hands well with soap and water and then dry completely to avoid spreading germs
• 
  
  Boost your immunity before illness strikes

Also see:

How2 Relieve Colds and Coughs

How2 Relieve Chest Congestion

How2 Boost your Immunity