Baby Safety 101 @ Baby Academy

 Baby syringe, EpiPen (epinephrin)

Baby Safety @ Baby Academy (Lincy) - 1.5 hours

1. Baby eye view
2. Sleeping area
3. Not all hight temps are bad
4. Teeth and ear infection
5. Soothe baby. Pain
6. Administering medicine correctly
7. Allergic reactions
8. Baby rashes

Common injuries:

• Falls
• Finger tip injuries - door hinges
• Scalds and burns
• Poisons - bleach / detergent pods
• Dog bites
• Choking
• Near drowning - toilet bowl, bathroom, pool, beach

Preventable  - but accidents still happen

Baby’s eye view : 

• Crawl around on all fours and imagine what chaos you can cause when the baby crawls around.
• Blind chords are choking hazards : Tie them up. Cordless blinds
• Door stoppers - removable plastic caps - throw in the garbage OR foam door stopper on top
• Move pet food / water bowls off when not in use.
• House plants are poisonous - peace Lilly - keep them up high and away from children.
• Batteries, medications , liquid tabs - put them at a height.
• Fireplace - get a protective screen 
• Dust bunnies - vacuum

Toilet roll test - if it fits through a toilet roll it should be put away

House keys , penny/quarters, paper clip, battery, teddy bears or toys with removable buttons or bows. Toilets - get lid lock and keep it down.

Empty bath tub immediately 

Hand bag, grocery bag, disposable diaper bags 

Leave a place for the kid to explore - designated drawer filled with items that are baby-safe - wooden spoons, big plastic Tupperware boxes.

Safe sleep :

No blinds or hazards near crib. No blankets, bumper pads.

Not next to heater

No lamps or chords

Sleep sacks over swaddle

No toys

Slats - no gaps - can of coke test - should not be able to be pushed in the gap.

Firm mattress

Crib Sheets  - fitting

Pretty things on crib - NO

Stuffed animals out

Temperatures

• High temperature > 104 and it’s body’s response to many things
• Symptoms : snuggling - hot / flushed cheeks / heart beating quicker
• Why ? - environment , hood of stroller on summer day. Ear Infection. 
• How manage? - strip them down and remove layers . 
• Encourage cold fluids and foods when they’re old enough to eat these. 
• Offer Luke warm bath to decrease high temps. 
• Medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen for high temps. But don’t give ibuprofen when baby is < 6 months old. Use children’s Tylenol or children’s equivalent when possible. 
• Under 3 months - immediate medical help > 104 - they should have immunity. So if they have fever they should be checked immediately.
• Some high temps are ok with the reassuring signs - if baby is smiling. Looking alert. Drinking and eating normally. Diapers wet normally. Responding normally
• Vaccinations - fever after vaccine is immune response - normal
• Concerning signs : Local ER - lethargic, neck stiffness (turning their head), a rash(meningitis rash), high pitched cry, inconsolable.
• Pale / marbly skin - like a lace pattern on skin - sign of dehydration.
• Vomiting or difficulty breathing - grunting sound - if they are using their necks or ribs when breathing - call 911

How to check temp:

• Under the armpit - digital temperature. Gently lift arm up, put silver probe under armpit and gently lower baby arm , few seconds. From back maybe.
• Rectal is more accurate - ask pediatrician to show before you do this. Probe is lubricated .

Teething and ear infection

Both - disturbed sleep, pull or rub their airs , fussiness

Teething - drooling, flushed cheeks, bite/ suck on hard objects , poor appetit

Ear infection - cold like symptoms - happens after cold. Clear runny nose may turn thicker or change color before ear infection. Fluid buildup, inflammation, swelling. May not react to sounds normally.  Since ear is related to balance, they may not lay flat. Losing their balance when walking. > 100.4

Treating them

Teething - counter pressure. With clean finger or wet toothbrush . No paste. Infant Tylenol. Chewing - solid disc type rubber ones - pediatric approved tethers. frozen gel not a good idea. 

No amber teething necklaces. Cold drinks and foods(Popsicle) , if old enough. 

Duration - different for baby - around 6 months starts - lasts for diff period

Ear infection - pain reliever baby, call provider, elevate baby head - decrease pressure in ear. Apply warm /cold pack - never directly on skin - wrap first and then use. HCP - ear drops / antibiotics.

QnA

Soother not recommended 

Cloth with cold water / lukewarm baths ok when temp

Pacifiers ok - used too much will cause dental problems over 4 yrs. 

Cold foods n drinks - starting age 7 mo - ask pediatrician

Retake temp - 45 mins to hour after intervention like med/bath.

No padding in crib

Baby to doc - after 48 hours of no low temp or concerning signs.

Wedges for reflux - NO - ask provider for soln

Bassinet / crib - American pediatrician assn approved

Soothe their pain

• Gently stroking face , chest / skin-skin - their brain relieves their pain center
• Breastfeeding / sucking motion
• Less light and noise
• Music therapy - soft music - rhythmic breathing

Administer medicine

• Oral liquid 
• Hold baby upright in the crook of arm and put tip of syringe between gummed cheek
• Push gently little by little.
• Wait for baby swallows before you squirt a lil more
• Give her milk so she can wash the medicine down
• If they refuse swallow - blow on face or massaging their jawline.
• HCP / pharmacist - if not working - different med or injection
• Aspirin <18 .NO. adult Tylenol - NO

Allergic reactions -  food / meds/ pets / insects / pollen

Most are not serious , but some can be life threatening

• Severe signs : swelling of tongue, mouth, face
• Difficulty swallowing / speaking 
• Breathing trouble
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fainting

Baby rashes

Except meningitis all can be treated by pediatrician

Ringworm - anti fungal

Measles - antibiotics

Impetigo - “

Hives - allergic reaction - antihistamines

Chicken pox - similar to meals

Milia - whiteheads are normal

Erythema toxic - goes by itself

Molluscum contagious - normal

Diaper rash - barrier cream - thick

Eczema - arm, knee caps - moisturize

Heat rash - move into cool place A/C, hydrated

Scarlet fever - antibiotics

Meningitis Rash - life threatening

• Pin pricks
• Skin stretch and rash remains
• Bleeding under skin
• Nearest children emergency room
• Stiff neck
• Bothered by light
• Confused
• Shaking uncontrollably
• Not able to control fever with intervention
• Hands and feet are extremely cold
• Rash is actually the last sign , so you should identify much earlier to seek med help