Parenting - Prenatal to preschool/Parenting_PrenatalToPreschool.bin/dp/0021/00214.txt

Text File | 1993-06-14 | 46KB | 754 lines

$Unique_ID{PAR00214}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{6 Months to 1 Year:  Safety and Health}
$Subtitle{}
$Author{
Editors of Consumer Guide
Mendelson, Robert A
Mendelson, Lottie M
Meyerhoff, Michael K
Ames, Louise Bates}
$Subject{6 Months to 1 Year Safety Health safe childproof room rooms kitchen
kitchens latches drawers closets cabinets poisonous sharp dangerous garbage
pail dishwasher refrigerator electrical appliances cord cords stove bedroom
bedrooms hazards Jewelry choke chokes choking accidents accidental poisoning
poisonings strangulation suffocation bathroom bathroom living room den dens
furniture electrical outlet outlets stairways gates Climb Climbs Climbing
stairs gate plants fireplace window windows unsupervised swim swimming pool
car trip trips ride rides siblings sibling hostility jealousy visiting homes
visit visits diphtheria tetanus pertussis DTP meningitis Hemophilus influenza
B HiB temperature fever cold Colds cough humidifier humidifiers vaporizer
vaporizers medication medications Acetaminophen medicine dropper droppers Wax
buildup tympanic membrane eardrum hearing ear infection infections scaling
Scaliness cradle cap seborrheic dermatitis sun suntan sunburn skin cancer
sunscreen sunscreens SPF Sun Protection Factor rash rashes illness illnesses
SAFETY-PROOFING PRODUCTS ACCIDENT ACCIDENTS overprotective overprotectiveness
overrestrictive overrestriction oversupervision}
$Log{
Older siblings often need a period of acceptance of the little one*0053401.tif}

The New Parents' Question & Answer Book


6 Months to 1 Year:  Safety and Health


     I can't imagine making my entire home safe for (and from) my newly
crawling baby.  Is it really necessary to childproof every room?

     Accidents remain the leading cause of injury and death in children up to
five years of age.  Most of these accidents occur in and around the home.
Since many (but not all) of these accidents are preventable, you need to be
scrupulous about ridding your baby's environment of any potentially harmful
objects and substances.  The more rooms you can make safe and accessible for
your baby, the better, however, this does not mean you have to completely
rearrange your entire home.  Some rooms simply may be impossible to make safe
for your baby--such as a workshop or laundry room.  You may want to keep other
rooms--such as a home office--in their regular condition for purposes of your
own convenience.  In such cases, it is imperative that you find a way to close
off the area so as to effectively prevent unauthorized and/or unsupervised
visits by your baby.  Using a lock and key, installing a high hook latch, or
placing a gate in the doorway will do the trick.  It is still much too early
to expect your baby to understand and follow verbal instructions concerning
the concept of "off limits."


     The kitchen seems like such a dangerous room for a baby.  Won't I have to
get rid of a lot of essential stuff to make it safe?

     The kitchen can, indeed, be a very hazardous place for your baby.
However, it also will be one of his favorite areas in which to play.
Therefore, it is recommended that you make every effort to make this room safe
for him--which does not necessarily mean getting rid of a lot of stuff.  It
does mean that you will have to install childproof latches on all drawers,
closets, and cabinets containing poisonous materials and sharp or otherwise
dangerous items.  It also means that you will have to install similar devices
on the garbage pail, dishwasher, and refrigerator.  In addition, it will be a
good idea to unplug all small electrical appliances when they are not in use;
and when they are in use, be sure that the cords are not dangling down where
your baby can reach them.  When using the stove, remember to keep all pot and
pan handles turned inward, be extra careful in handling hot liquids that could
spill or splatter, and keep the baby away from the area when cooking is in
progress.  You might even consider removing the knobs that turn on the stove/
range whenever you are not using them.  When serving or consuming hot foods or
liquids, be sure to set them down on the middle of the table, not near the
edge.  Since your baby may grab onto the edge of a tablecloth to steady
himself or keep himself from falling, save yourself some work and worry by
putting these away for the time being.  Fold and put away all step stools.
And, turn all water heaters down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.


     How can kitchen items be rearranged to make the room safe and more
suitable for my baby?

     Although there are many things in the kitchen that are hazardous to your
baby, there also are many items with which he can have a lot of fun.
Therefore, rather than simply locking up all the drawers and cabinets, you
might consider rearranging things so that the dangerous materials are safely
secured in the high cabinets and drawers out of reach of your baby, while
those that are suitable for play are left unlocked in the lower ones.  For
example, knives, forks, graters, and other such utensils should be placed well
out of reach.  Your baby will appreciate it, however, if you keep the spoons
and spatulas where he can get to them.  The same is true for glassware as
opposed to plastic cups.  All small appliances must be inaccessible, but pots,
pans, plastic containers, etc. can be kept at his level.  One thing to watch
out for is the possibility of avalanche.  For instance, if you have moved
canned goods and paper products into a lower cabinet, make sure that the
heavier items are on the bottom and the lighter ones are on top so your baby
won't be harmed by things that come tumbling down.


     My bedroom seems like a relatively safe place for my baby.  Are there any
special hazards I should be aware of in there?

     Bedrooms seem to be made for babies at this stage of development.  They
usually contain soft carpeted surfaces to crawl across, soft furniture to
climb upon, and lots of relatively harmless things like pillows and slippers
to play with.  However, there also are a few typical hazards that should be
removed or locked up before your baby is given free access to the bedroom.
Jewelry is fascinating to babies, but it can result in serious choking
accidents.  Similarly, perfumes, deodorants, makeup, and other such substances
can lead to accidental poisonings.  Belts, ties, shoelaces, and especially
plastic bags (like those that are used to protect dry cleaning) can cause
strangulation and suffocation.  And, as in the living room, den, or family
room, all unstable furniture or floor lamps should be removed, and all
dangling cords should be taped down, unplugged, or moved up out of your baby's
reach.  Although it doesn't take much to make a bedroom safe, you do need to
give this room a little time and attention before you allow your baby to enter
it unsupervised.


     Can the bathroom be made safe for unsupervised visits?

     It is extremely difficult, and probably impossible, to make a typical
bathroom safe for a baby at this stage of development.  Even if you could
manage to secure all the medicines, soaps, shampoos, nail clippers, hair
dryers, scissors, tweezers, etc., the basic materials and equipment that
constitute the bathroom would still represent an unacceptable level of danger.
There simply are too many slippery surfaces, hard tiles, hot water faucets,
water receptacles, etc.  After all, more adults get injured from accidents
taking place in the bathroom than any other area of the house every year, so
it is unreasonable to expect that your baby will be able to manage it armed
with his recently acquired physical skills.  Unfortunately, babies do find
bathrooms irresistibly fascinating, so making it completely inaccessible to
curious little ones is a must.  A highly placed hook latch probably will be
more convenient but every bit as effective as a lock-and-key.  To indulge his
curiosity, however, don't forget to take him in the bathroom yourself on
occasion and show him some of its more fascinating aspects under your close
supervision.


     My baby spends a lot of time in the living room and den.  What can I do
to make those areas safe?

     Living rooms and dens often contain a lot of furniture that can be
hazardous to an eagerly exploring yet still relatively unstable baby.  Sofas,
coffee tables, desks, end tables, and the like usually have hard edges with
sharp corners that can do damage to a newly crawling and climbing baby, so you
might consider placing soft bumpers and round edge protectors on these trouble
spots.  Be sure to remove all unstable furniture (furniture that can be easily
pulled or pushed over) to an area that is inaccessible to your baby.  Also,
watch out for rocking chairs and recliners.  The little fingers of a crawling
baby can get crushed underneath a rocking chair or caught in the folding
mechanism of a recliner.  In addition, table lamps and floor lamps can come
tumbling down with a crash if your baby gets hold of the electrical cord, so
see to it that the cords are either placed out of reach or taped down
securely; if a floor lamp can be easily tipped over, remove it.  Finally,
particularly as your baby approaches the end of this period, keep in mind his
growing ability to climb and his increasing tendency to reach very high places
by climbing in increments, and be sure to rearrange your furniture
accordingly.  For example, make sure that he will not be able to climb onto
the sofa seat, then onto the arm, then onto the back, then onto a bookcase,
then up the shelves.


     Besides the furniture, what kinds of things in the living room or den
represent trouble for my baby?

     In all rooms, you have to be careful about electrical outlets--which
babies find irresistibly fascinating--and make sure they are scaled off with
safety caps.  Also, check all electrical cords to make sure that the
insulation has not become frayed and that the wires are not exposed.  The best
way to spot hazards is to actually crawl around on your hands and knees in
every room to get the baby's perspective of things.  If you have any delicate
and expensive video or audio equipment, make sure it is placed well out of
reach of your curious but still clumsy baby.  Go through all the
knickknacks--such as cigarette lighters, remote control devices,
paperweights--that are lying around on low shelves, and remove all those that
are inappropriate for your baby's hands.  Replace them with some suitable
objects for his investigation.  Keep in mind, too, that the floor or any other
smooth and slippery surface will be hard enough for him to negotiate, but if
there are small throw rugs on it, it becomes extremely hazardous.


     Should I close off all stairways with gates?

     Climbing stairs will be one of your baby's favorite activities toward the
end of this period, and it would be a shame to deprive him of all
opportunities to attempt and practice stair climbing on his own.  However,
particularly since it will be a couple of months after he learns to climb up
stairs that he will learn to climb down stairs, this activity obviously can be
hazardous when unsupervised.  Therefore, placing a gate at the top of all
stairways definitely is recommended.  As for the bottom, it is suggested that
you place the gate at the third step up--especially if the stairs are
carpeted.  That way, your baby will have a chance to attempt and practice
going up and down to his heart's content.  Even if he takes a tumble from the
third step, he is not likely to get more than a minor bump or bruise.  Of
course, even a minor bump or bruise is more than some parents are willing to
risk, so this is a judgment call.  Most mothers and fathers, however, find
they are willing to trade a little bit of anxiety for the tremendous amount of
pleasure this practice gives their baby.


     I have a lot of plants around the house.  Do they present a danger to my
baby?

     They certainly do.  Many common household plants are poisonous, and you
have to keep in mind that your baby is likely to put anything and everything
he finds into his mouth.  Get a reference list from your local poison control
center, and make sure you get rid of all plants that are potentially lethal.
As for those that are reasonably harmless if ingested, you still have to be
careful about where they are placed.  Dangling vines are particularly
troublesome, as curious babies will routinely grab them and pull them down.
And any flower pot, planter, or similar container fragments, etc. will
eventually get into his hands and mouth.  Make sure to keep up with your plant
maintenance as well.  A well-placed plant still can pose a choking hazard if
its leaves are routinely falling off and fluttering to the floor.


     I have a fireplace.  Should I simply not use it until my baby is older?

     A fireplace clearly represents some serious dangers for your baby, but it
also has the potential to provide him (and you) with hours of entertainment
and enjoyment.  Therefore, as long as you keep a close eye on your baby at all
times when it is in use, there is no reason why the fireplace has to be
retired completely.  There are a few things to keep in mind, however.
Whenever a fire is going, a screen should be secured or locked in place to
keep sparks from flying out; a mesh screen is preferable to a glass screen in
that it won't get as hot nor is it as likely to be touched accidentally by
your baby. (If you have a wood-burning stove, it should not be used or it
should be fenced in.)  Also, take care with the pokers and other
instruments--they typically are rather heavy and have some sharp points, so
they should be kept well out of reach of your baby.  Matches, lighters, and
starter fluid likewise should be placed in inaccessible areas.  And don't
forget about the firewood.  A neat pile of round logs next to the fireplace
may look attractive, but they are an irresistible challenge to a newly
crawling baby who will be in a lot of trouble when they come tumbling down.


     Do I really have to worry about my baby crawling out an open window?

     You certainly do, and you should make sure that all windows your baby
might be able to get to are either locked or barred.  It is not the case that
babies are totally without self-protective senses, but those senses often are
imperfect.  For instance, researchers have conducted "visual cliff"
experiments where babies at this age were allowed to crawl across a glass
surface that extended out over the edge of a counter.  When the babies reached
the edge and looked down over the apparent "cliff," they usually seemed to
sense danger and turned themselves around to go back.  However, as they
performed the turn-around maneuver, most of the babies managed to place their
center of gravity over the edge, so if the glass hadn't been there, they would
have fallen.  Consequently, there is a good chance your baby may try to avoid
falling out an open window, but the odds do not necessarily favor him
succeeding.


     Is it safe to let my baby play unsupervised in the yard at this stage?

     That probably is not a good idea at this point.  Given that everything he
gets his hands on will likely end up in his mouth, there are simply too many
things hidden in a typical yard that may present a problem.  For example, a
piece of broken glass that is easily noticed on the kitchen floor may be
impossible to detect in the dirt.  A small marble that is obvious on the
carpet can get lost in the grass.  Furthermore, insects, animal feces, and a
variety of other items will be irresistible to your curious baby.
Consequently, when you do take your baby outdoors, it is recommended that you
spread out a large blanket for him to play upon with minimal supervision.
When you cannot supervise his activities at all, place him in a playpen for
the few minutes that you'll be away.  And, of course, give him as many
opportunities as possible to explore and investigate this special environment
with your assistance as well.


     My baby really likes it when I take him in the pool with me.  Is that
okay?

     Taking your baby in the pool with you may not be a bad idea, but you must
take proper precautions.  First and foremost, you must realize that a baby
cannot swim, nor can he really learn how to swim at this age.  The American
Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend group or organized swimming classes
for children less than three years of age.  One reason is that such
instruction can give parents the feeling that their child is safe in the
water--and this is not the case.  No young child should ever be considered
"water safe."  Another major danger that is not well known nor always obvious
is that when water enters a baby's mouth, he will swallow it.  Because of his
low body weight, it does not take much swallowing to create a chemical
imbalance in his system, resulting in a condition called water intoxication.
Water intoxication can lead to seizures and even death.  The symptoms usually
do not appear until an hour or more after the water is ingested, so it is
difficult to detect when a baby is getting into trouble in this regard.
Therefore, if you do take your baby into the pool with you, you must hold him
and watch him carefully at all times, and you should not allow his head to be
submerged.  Both the water and air temperature should be warm enough so the
baby does not experience a decrease in body temperature.  At this age, the
water should be warmer than 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and exposure should be
brief.


     Are there any new dangers associated with taking my baby for a trip in
the car?

     Your baby's increased physical skills are likely to cause many new
problems during rides in the car.  Using a car seat is still mandatory, but if
he gets overly bored or overly excited, keeping him in the car seat may be
difficult.  Also, as he plays with various items, there now is the danger that
those items can become dangerous projectiles if he starts throwing them
around.  In other words, you can no longer expect that your baby will simply
fall asleep or in any way remain mostly stationary for long periods of time
when he is in the car.  Therefore, you must make sure that he is secured into
his car seat as firmly as possible, and you should take care to provide him
with suitable objects and activities that will keep him entertained and out of
your hair as much as possible.  And, if he does start to get out of control,
you must resist the temptation to try and deal with him while you are still
driving.  As inconvenient as it may be, you should pull over to the side of
the road and turn off the engine as soon as trouble starts, and don't try to
get going again until you've got things back, under control.


     Can my baby get seriously hurt just playing will his three-year-old
brother?

     He certainly can, and you have to be very careful about the possibility
at this point.  After an initial unpleasant reaction to the new arrival, the
older sibling very often goes through a period of acceptance, or at least
tolerance of the little one.  However, once the baby becomes mobile and
demands a lot more immediate attention from the parents, the old feelings of
jealousy and hostility usually return even more powerfully.  To make matters
worse, the baby may unwittingly intrude upon or interfere with his older
sibling's activities on occasion or innocently take something that belongs to
him; such actions can provoke some pretty intense reactions.  Of course, some
closely spaced older siblings don't express any physical aggression toward
younger siblings.  Some seem to adjust quite well and are even very protective
of the baby; some show temporary signs of regression, such as wanting a
bottle; and still others take out their frustrations on their toys.  For
safety's sake however, it's important to be aware of the possibility and to
keep an eye on them when they're together.  Your baby is becoming increasingly
capable of "taking care of himself" but his brother also is getting bigger and
stronger every day, so your baby can be in danger if things get out of hand
when the two of them are unsupervised.


     How can his five-year-old brother be hazardous to my baby even when the
older boy isn't around?

     Keep in mind that the safety regulations concerning toys for older
children are a lot more lenient than those for babies.  Items that may be
perfectly appropriate for your older child can be extremely hazardous in the
hands of your baby.  For example, a little toy truck may be a favorite toy of
the older child, who will run it along the floor and go "rrumm, rrumm!"
However, the baby is very likely to be interested in this toy in another way.
There is a good chance he will pluck off the little wheels and put them into
his mouth, saying "yumm, yumm!"  Not only does this present a choking problem,
but the sharp spoke that is now exposed may cause a lot of trouble as well.
Therefore, it is a good idea to keep the toys of each child separate, and to
do what you can to make the older child's room "off limits" to the baby unless
you can be there to protect him from his brother's toys--and to protect his
brother's toys from the baby.


     How can I protect my baby when visiting other people's homes?

     At this point, you probably won't have much choice but to place your baby
in a portable playpen when visiting other people's homes.  Even if they have
small children themselves, you can't assume that their home has been safety
proofed.  And even if people who are eager to have you visit assure you that
they will take appropriate precautions, you can't assume that they have done
an adequate job of safety proofing.  As long as your baby won't have to be
restricted for several hours, keeping him in the playpen and/or under your
supervision on such occasions probably won't present too many
difficulties--especially if you keep a few favorite toys and some interesting
new items in reserve and use them to keep him entertained at such times.  Of
course, if you are going to be spending a lot of time at someone's house and/
or visiting regularly, you might consider asking them if at least one or two
rooms can be safety proofed under your supervision so that your baby will have
an opportunity to do some exploring and investigating on his own while he is
there.  Finally, whenever you take the baby to someone else's home or you have
someone visiting you, be sure that all purses and/or luggage are put up and
out of the way.  Sometimes they contain medications, cigarettes, cosmetics,
and small, sharp objects that can be very hazardous to your baby should he get
his hands on them; if they do, your baby will find them given the chance.


     My six month old had a cold and fever, and he couldn't receive his third
DTP.  Will a delay affect his immunity?

     The series should be completed soon to ensure your baby's immunity to
diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP).  The delay won't change or lessen
the efficiency of the series.  The reason for not immunizing a baby who has a
cold and fever is to protect him from a possible reaction to the vaccine,
which would add to his discomfort.  Common side effects of the vaccine include
fever, malaise, or irritability for 24 to 48 hours after the vaccine is given
and some soreness and/or swelling at the injection site; these side effects,
if they occur, are generally mild.  Many times, parents are advised to give
their baby acetaminophen drops at the time of the injection to help minimize
fever and discomfort.  Some pediatricians prefer a wait-and-see attitude.  If
your baby had no side effects previously, he'll most likely have none this
time.  Remember, giving your baby the proper immunizations is a very important
part of preventive pediatric care.


     My son will be going into day care soon, and I'm worried about his chance
of catching meningitis.  How can I protect him?  Is he too young for the shot?

     The "shot" that is available is to protect your baby from the most common
cause of bacterial meningitis in children, Hemophilus influenza type B (HiB).
At present, the recommendation is that this vaccine be given at 15 months of
age because this is the youngest age for which it has been proven effective.
By the time you read this, a new vaccine may be available that can protect
babies as young as two months of age.  Your pediatrician is the best source of
information about this vaccine, which is currently being tested.  In the
meantime, continue to avoid exposing your baby to ill children whenever
possible (check into the policies regarding ill children at the day-care
center, too), and be sure to have your son immunized at 15 months of age.


     When should I take my baby's temperature?

     An elevated temperature is only one sign of illness.  If you suspect that
your baby is coming down with something, you'll want to take his temperature.
You may suspect that he's ill if he isn't drinking or eating well; if he is
unusually cranky and irritable; if he vomits; if he acts like something is
hurting him; if he's perspiring or looks or feels flushed and warm; or if he
seems lethargic.  Any one or more of these observations may prompt you to take
his temperature.  Again, the baby's temperature is only one sign of illness;
if you notice other signs that concern you, even if his temperature is in the
normal range, you should consult your pediatrician.  At this age, the most
accurate way to take your baby's temperature is rectally.  For instructions on
how to take a rectal temperature, see "Safety And Health" in the Birth To 6
Months section.


     How high should a fever get before I call the doctor?

     Fever is an ally, not an enemy.  It is a method for the body to more
efficiently fight an infection.  At a temperature above 100 degrees
Fahrenheit, the body more efficiently fights viruses and bacteria.  In other
words, the fever itself is just one sign that your baby is fighting an
infection, so you want to look at other signs to try and determine the
seriousness of the illness.  How is the baby eating and drinking?  Is he
acting lethargic?  Has the fever responded to acetaminophen, and does the baby
seem more comfortable when the temperature is down?  Your pediatrician may be
much more concerned about a baby who is acting very ill but only has a
temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit than one who is acting normally but has
a temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit.  As stated before, one of the most
important factors is how your baby is acting.  If you are worried, call your
pediatrician.


     If my baby's fever is very high, should I give him a cold bath to bring
his temperature down?

     There is never any reason to give a baby a cold bath.  If you are trying
to bring down a fever, a warm (normal bath temperature) bath is much more
effective.  If you give him a cold bath, the blood vessels in his skin may
constrict to prevent heat loss, thus driving up the temperature.  Indeed, even
a warm bath is rarely recommended to decrease the baby's temperature unless it
is over 104 degrees Fahrenheit and does not respond within one to two hours to
an appropriate dose of acetaminophen.  If this is the case, you should consult
your pediatrician before giving the baby a bath or taking any further
measures.


     How can I care for my baby when he has a cold?

     Plan to provide as much comfort to your suffering little one as possible.
Keep him warm and dry, and be prepared to rock and cuddle him to help prevent
extra crying, which may increase stuffiness and swelling of the mucous
membranes of the nose and throat.  You can increase the humidity in his
sleeping area by using a cool-mist vaporizer.  You can use saltwater nose
drops (see instructions for making these in "Safety And Health" in the Birth
To 6 Months section) to flush his nose (especially before feedings) and allow
him to suck more comfortably.  You can also gently insert a soft-tipped bulb
syringe into his nostrils to remove mucus before feedings; this takes some
skill and caution, however, because even the soft tip of the syringe can
further irritate the nasal membranes.  Depending upon the baby's comfort
level, you can elevate the head of the crib; this may facilitate drainage of
the nasal passages.  Although your baby may not want solid foods while he is
suffering from a cold, you do need to increase or maintain his intake of
liquids.  Colds in babies are rarely treated with any medication except
acetaminophen and sometimes a decongestant.  The symptoms may linger for two
to three weeks.  Colds are caused by viruses so there is no specific
medication to shorten the course.  Sometimes parents request an antibiotic,
mostly because they feel they should do something, but an antibiotic won't
cure a cold.  You'll want to consult with your pediatrician about symptoms if
your baby maintains a significant fever (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit measured
rectally) for more than a few days, if he develops a fever after the first few
days of a cold, if he refuses fluids for two or more feedings, or if he seems
to be getting more ill than you think he should be with a simple cold.  Babies
can develop secondary infections (including ear infections, bronchitis,
pneumonia, etc.) anytime during the course of a cold.  If your baby develops a
secondary infection caused by bacteria, then your doctor will prescribe the
treatment of choice.  Babies usually handle their colds well, although they
will be uncomfortable for a few days.  Parents, however, should never be shy
about consulting with their pediatrician whenever they are worried about their
baby's health.


     How will I know when a cold becomes serious?

     Most babies with colds at this age are not very ill.  They may have a
low-grade fever for a few days and be congested and cranky.  If the baby
develops a fever after the first few days of a cold or if he refuses all
nourishment, including liquids, you should consult your pediatrician.  More
importantly, if you are really worried about your baby for any reason, discuss
it with your pediatrician and, between you, decide if the baby should be seen.


     When should I worry about a cough?

     Any cough that concerns you should be reported to your pediatrician.  You
may be advised to have the baby examined.  If you're sure the baby has just a
cold, and that the cough is a "getting rid of mucus" kind of cough, it's
probably okay to go a day or two and watch him.  If he has a fever or other
symptoms along with the cough, you may want to consult with your pediatrician.
Babies can become ill quickly.  If his cry ever sounds weak or if he acts
lethargic or is having any difficulty breathing, you should consult your
pediatrician.  Sometimes babies (and young children) awaken with a cough that
makes them sound like a barking seal.  They sound and act like they're having
trouble breathing.  This condition is called croup and is usually caused by a
virus that inflames the larynx and/or trachea.  It's very frightening to
parents as well as to the baby.  To treat it, go into the bathroom, close the
door (and any windows), and steam up the bathroom by turning the hot-water
taps on full force.  Take the baby into the bathroom and, after a few minutes,
his breathing should become easier.  If his breathing doesn't improve quickly
or if he also has a fever, call your pediatrician to determine if the baby
needs to be seen.  This is especially important since a very serious type of
bacterial disease can start with similar symptoms.  Fortunately, the disease,
called epiglottitis, is much less common now that we have a vaccine (HiB) to
prevent it.


     Can a humidifier or vaporizer be harmful to my baby?

     Humidifiers in the past have been harmful to children.  The old hot-steam
vaporizers were notorious for causing burns when tipped over or handled by
little ones.  Hopefully there are none around anymore.  The theory of warm
vapor sounded good, since warm air should feel better than cool air.  In
reality, by the time the mist reaches the throat or sinuses, the body has
cooled or warmed it to body temperature anyway.  The cool-mist vaporizers are
safer as long as they are used and cared for properly.  If you need to use an
extension cord (which is unadvisable after the baby is mobile), make certain
it's the right size and kind, and always avoid overloading electrical outlets.
The vapor mustn't drench the baby, or it defeats the purpose.  The mist stream
should be a few feet from the crib and not pointed directly at the baby's
face.  The humidifier must also be kept scrupulously clean; otherwise, it may
harbor mold and bacteria and spread them into the air.  Follow the
manufacturer's cleaning instructions, and always put clean water in for each
use.  Vaporizers can be a comfortable asset to cold sufferers (adults and
children alike) when used properly.  They're helpful to have around.


     Is it okay to give my baby over-the-counter medications?

     At this age, babies require very little medication of any kind.
Acetaminophen to treat fever and perhaps some mild cough or cold preparations
are often tried by parents prior to seeking medical advice.  As previously
mentioned, most colds go away spontaneously without any medication, and most
fevers should be reported to your pediatrician if they persist or begin after
the first few days of a cold, so there is very little reason to consider the
use of over-the-counter medications (other than acetaminophen drops) without
talking to your pediatrician.  Many medications that were formerly available
by prescription only are now available over-the-counter.  This does not always
mean that they are safer or milder, so if you have any questions about a
specific medication, call your pediatrician


     How do I give medications to my baby?

     A soft plastic dropper can be used to give the baby any necessary liquid
medicine.  Some droppers have lines on them that indicate the correct dosage
level of medications such as acetaminophen.  If you're using an unmarked
dropper to give liquid medicine, premeasure the medication with a measuring
spoon, and pour it into a small container.  Then, fill the dropper from the
container by squeezing the rubber bulb.  You may have to fill the dropper more
than once for each dose, depending upon the amount required or prescribed for
your baby.  Slowly and gently squeeze the medication into the baby's mouth
between his gums and the inside of his cheek.  You don't have to hurry or give
it all at once.  He should swallow the medicine.  If he is very upset, calm
him before you give him the medicine; if you introduce the medicine when he is
upset, he'll be more likely to resist, choke, sputter, or spit up.  If you are
patient and firm, he will learn that sometimes taking unpleasant medicine is
necessary.


     I don't use swabs to clean my baby's ears.  Will wax buildup affect his
hearing?

     Wax buildup will not impair the baby's hearing, but it may need to be
removed in order for your pediatrician to view the tympanic membrane
(eardrum).  When this is the case, the canal can be irrigated and the wax
washed away.  Any wax that you see outside the canal can be gently removed
using a damp washcloth.  The ear canal has its own ability to push wax to the
outside.  Wax lubricates and protects the ear canal.  Never use cotton swabs
or anything else in the baby's ear.  You can damage the thin laver of skin,
cause infection, and push wax down against the eardrum.  If you are concerned
about your baby's hearing, consult your pediatrician.


     How can I check my baby's hearing?

     It is very important to diagnose a hearing loss as early as possible
because of the importance of early hearing ability to normal speech
development.  Usually, the first people to become aware of impaired hearing in
a baby are the parents.  You notice how your baby responds to your voice when
you know he is not looking at you.  How does he respond to unexpected loud
sounds?  If you have any suspicions about your baby's hearing, discuss them
with your pediatrician.  There are very accurate methods to test hearing in
children of this age, and your pediatrician can arrange for such testing to be
done when it is indicated.


     How can I tell if my baby has or is getting an ear infection?

     Most babies who have ear infections are fussy and irritable, and many
have rectal temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.  The baby usually has
had a cold or congestion for one to several days prior to developing the ear
infection; ear infections are the most common complications of colds.  If you
suspect that your baby has an ear infection, discuss it with your
pediatrician, who will probably want to see the baby if the symptoms persist.
Many parents are concerned when their baby pulls on one or both ears.  This is
common among babies at this age, and if there is no accompanying fever,
fussiness, or irritability, there is probably no ear infection.


     How can I keep my baby from getting ear infections?

     Allowing a baby to take a bottle to bed is recognized as a contributing
factor in some ear infections.  Formula or milk pooling in the mouth can be a
good medium for the growth of viruses and bacteria (it's also known to be
harmful to teeth).  Because of the proximity of the openings of the eustachian
tubes and the shortness of these tubes in babies, the ears can easily become
infected.  Therefore, you should never allow your baby to drink from his
bottle while he is in his crib.  Of course, you should avoid using anything to
probe or clean the baby's ear canals, since some external ear infections are
caused by damaging the thin skin covering of the canal.  You should also try
to avoid allowing water to enter the baby's ears as well; be sure to bathe him
with his head well above the bathwater.  If water does get in, it can be
removed by gently tilting the baby's head from side to side.  In addition,
since most ear infections develop along with or after a cold, try to avoid
exposing your baby to people who have upper respiratory infections (colds)
whenever possible.  Keep in mind, however, that no matter how cautious parents
are, most babies, at some time or other, develop a congested or infected
middle ear.


     My baby has some scaling behind his ears.  How should this be treated?

     Scaliness behind the ears is often related to cradle cap or seborrheic
dermatitis.  If this is the case, first treat the scalp condition (see "Safety
And Health" in the Birth To 6 Months section), and the dry scales behind the
ears may go away spontaneously.  If the scales are dry and the skin is not
cracked, lubricating the area with a baby lotion may speed healing.  If the
skin is cracked, moist, and red, there may be a low-grade infection, which
usually responds to treatment with warm, wet packs followed by application of
an antibiotic ointment.  If these simple treatments don't seem to improve the
situation, consult your pediatrician.


     I know that some sun is healthy for my baby, but how much?

     You won't be doing your baby any favors by exposing him to hot or strong
sunlight for any extended period of time.  There is no good reason for a baby
to have a suntan and very good reasons for you to prevent him from getting a
sunburn.  Besides being a painful experience, sunburn can contribute to skin
cancer later on.  Babies also get prickly heat rashes from being too warm;
they are most comfortable when temperatures are moderate.  Therefore, if you
want to take your baby on an outing in the sun, avoid doing so during midday,
when the sun's rays are strongest.  Schedule it for before 10 a.m. or after 3
p.m. instead.  In addition, it's generally recommended that you protect your
baby from the sun whenever you take him outside during the day (it is possible
to get a sunburn even on a partly cloudy day, especially if you are near water
or sand).  Before the two of you step outside, be sure he's wearing a bonnet
or cap that shades his face and neck and lightweight clothing that covers his
arms, legs, and torso.  It's also wise to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas
of your baby's skin.  There are many good sunscreens on the market, some made
especially for babies.  Choose a sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
of 15 or greater.  A sun protection factor of 15 means that if your baby's
skin would naturally start to burn after 20 minutes in the sun, with proper
use of the sunscreen, he could be in the sun 15 times longer (300 minutes or
five hours) before his skin would start to burn.  That, of course, does not
mean you should expose your baby for five hours--remember, babies do not like
hot or bright sunshine or very warm temperatures.  Many sunscreens are also
waterproof--for a certain period of time (after which they must be reapplied,
so read the label to find out when you should reapply it).  When applying a
sunscreen to your baby's skin for the first time, it's preferable to cover a
small test area first to make certain the sunscreen doesn't irritate his skin
or cause a reaction.  Most sunscreens work best if applied 30 minutes prior to
sun exposure.  Be sure to keep the sunscreen away from your baby's eyes and
out of his reach.  If your baby is under six months of age, keep him out of
the sun.


     How do I know if my baby's rash is caused by a serious illness?

     Most rashes in babies are not significant and go away on their own.  Most
serious rashes are accompanied by other symptoms that tell you that there is
something wrong.  Fever, vomiting, respiratory symptoms, lethargy,
irritability, and pain along with a rash may mean that something more serious
is going on and should be reported to your pediatrician.  If the baby is well
and the rash is not bothering him, don't let it bother you.


SAFETY-PROOFING PRODUCTS

     Today's parents have a lot of help available to them when it comes to
making their home safe for their newly crawling baby.  Children's specialty
shops and mail-order catalogs, as well as many hardware and department stores,
now carry a complete line of items and gadgets that make safety proofing
considerably easier than it used to be.  You can purchase a variety of
products such as door and cabinet latches, furniture bumpers, caps for
electrical outlets, etc.; you can even get complete "kits" that come with
extensive instructions and suggestions as well.  If you are willing to spend
just a little more money, you also can take advantage of some recent advances
in battery-operated safety devices.  These include not only walkie-talkie or
intercom-type monitors, but things like door guards and water-level indicators
as well.  Door guards sound an alarm when the door is opened by an
unauthorized little one, and water-level indicators sound an alarm when the
water in the bathtub reaches an unsafe height.  It certainly is recommended
that you avail yourself of as many of these technological wonders as possible;
however, you must be careful not to allow yourself to get lulled into a false
sense of security.  No such gadget is foolproof, and even those operating
perfectly can't take into account every conceivable type of trouble.  Going
high-tech in safety proofing is a good idea, but it is in no way a total
substitute for continued involvement and constant vigilance on your part.  At
best, these products should be regarded as capable backups rather than the
primary guardians of your baby's safety


ACCIDENTS WILL HAPPEN

     This period is filled with many exciting opportunities for babies.
Unfortunately, it also is filled with incredible anxieties for their parents.
No matter how adept you are at safety proofing, and no matter how vigilant you
are in supervising your baby's activities, accidents will inevitably happen.
When they do, it is important for you not to overreact.  Despite their small
stature and delicate appearance, babies actually are rather hearty creatures,
and they are capable of withstanding quite a bit at this point.  Although they
may scream and carry on a great deal when they first suffer a bump or scrape,
within a few minutes, they probably will be on their way to resume whatever it
was they were doing, with the unpleasant incident largely forgotten.  On the
other hand, no matter how slight the damage to their baby, the parents are
likely to continue their suffering for quite some time.  This is normal and
natural, but you should make an effort to keep it from getting out of hand.
If you go overboard in trying to make sure that another accident will never
happen, you probably will do little more than make yourself crazy.  More
importantly, overprotectiveness usually results in overrestriction and/or
oversupervision.  The advantages that your baby will gain in physical safety
as a result probably will pale in comparison to the disadvantages he'll suffer
in terms of reduced opportunities to explore and investigate independently.
While you must do everything in your power to see to it that major accidents
are avoided, it is suggested that you try to relax and realize that a few
bumps, scrapes, and bruises are a small price to pay for indulging your baby's
curiosity and allowing his mind to expand to the fullest extent possible
during this period.