Cleaning Baby's Ears Safely

How To Safely Clean Your Baby's Ears

Safe and proper ear cleaning is one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of personal hygiene. For parents, the issue of whether to clean the baby's ears is often fraught with confusion. One the one hand, earwax buildup can be acutely uncomfortable; on the other, cleaning the ear risks causing infection or damaging the baby's delicate eardrum.

Earwax is actually beneficial

Cerumen, the substance commonly known as earwax, is a combination of several chemicals (including cholesterol) that's secreted by many of the same glands that help keep the body's skin moist and hydrated. It's manufactured in the outer ear canal but carried towards the ear's edge by the movement of the jaw, taking dirt, dust and other harmful agents along with it.
Earwax varies among different ethnic groups. Among Asians and Native Americans, earwax is flaky and gray. Caucasian and Afrocentric peoples typically have earwax that is damp and honey- or brown-colored.

Cleaning baby's delicate ears

Parents are strongly encouraged to let their baby's doctors clean the child's ears during routine wellness visits. They'll use special instrumentation that won't prove a danger to puncturing or scratching the eardrum.

If you notice that waxy buildup is covering the eardrum, however, you may wish to remove the wax yourself. Excessive earwax around the ear canal can put pressure on baby's eardrum, resulting in balance problems and severe discomfort.

Never insert a cotton swab, your finger, or any other cleaning implement into your child's ear canal. Even light contact is enough to scratch the eardrum. Moreover, cotton swabs can pack the dirt, dust, and other harmful particulate matter closer to the eardrum, actually increasing the risk of infection.

Some health care item manufacturers promote special bell-shaped swabs for cleaning the baby's outer ear. While these are safety-tested to present no danger to the child's inner ear, parents should still use them with caution.

Preventing waxy buildup

Earwax buildup can be slowed simply by keeping the child's ear and neck area clean. Parents can even use a cotton swab or ball dipped in warm water or peroxide around the ear bud and neck area for maximum cleanliness. Just make sure that none gets inside the ear canal.

When the child gets older

The child can begin cleaning its own ears as soon as it can understand the safe use of cotton swabs. Parents can introduce safe ear cleaning about the same time they teach the correct way to wash hair and trim fingernails and toenails.

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Pets and The New Baby

 

Congratulations, you are going to have a baby! You have told all of your family and friends, even going so far as to tell the joyful news to your furry, four-legged "kids." As the months progress you notice Kitty, who is perched on your lap, is now closely guarding her position as Rover, appearing needy, moves in to be close to you. You may find yourself wondering if your pets understand what is happening and if they will accept the new baby as a member of the family. Although there is no single thing you can do to guarantee that the transition will be easy for your pets, there are a few things you can do to make the change a little easier on all concerned.

The first thing to do is make an appointment with your veterinarian to make sure Kitty and Rover are in tiptop health and all their vaccinations are up-to-date. While there, be sure to tell him or her that you are expecting, and ask about restrictions on what you can and cannot do with your pets while pregnant. Ask the vet for advice on preparing the pets for a new baby. Most veterinarians will be happy to offer tips that will help both Kitty and Rover adjust to the new arrival.

Remember that Rover and Kitty are members of your family. They have become accustomed to your attention and their lifestyle. The closer you can maintain the same routines for them after the baby is born, the easier the transition will be. This means that whenever possible keep up the daily walks, petting rituals, and evening snuggles. If you know that your routine is going to change after baby is born, it is best to adjust it now with your pets, before baby enters the scene.

You will need to establish some boundaries for Kitty, who may be used to going where she pleases in the house. Blowing up some balloons and placing them in areas where you want to discourage her from going can help. The squeaking and loud popping sounds the balloons make, as well as the occasional balloon clinging to her fur from static electricity, should be enough to convince her to avoid these areas at all costs. Filling the bassinet or crib with balloons and allowing Kitty to jump in will quickly teach her that she does not want to be there.

Washing Rover's blanket in the same laundry soap you plan to wash the baby's bedding and clothing with will help the adjustment beforehand. The most helpful thing for Rover would be to have dad bring home a receiving blanket from the hospital that was used by your baby. This will help Rover adjust to the new scent of baby far more quickly.

Once your new baby arrives at home, it is important to pay special attention to your pets, especially in those first few days when baby comes home. If possible, have Dad pay attention to them while you feed the baby. Then have Dad burp the baby while you take your turn paying attention to Kitty and Rover.

Don't be afraid to allow Kitty and Rover to come over and give baby a "hello sniff," while you have the baby safely cuddled in your arms. It helps them get adjusted to the source of this new scent and become more familiar with the baby's movements. Remember, even the most faithful family pet can be startled by a baby's sudden actions or cries, so it will be important for you to take the time to assure Kitty and Rover that these movements and noises are okay.

By the time your baby is on the move, your pets should be well accustomed to having a new member of the family. It will be important for you to establish boundaries by letting your baby know not to play with Rover's dinner, nor pull Kitty's tail.

With some careful planning, the bonds that will be established between Kitty, Rover, and your baby will be strong, and you will be able to sit back and watch proudly as your entire family plays together.

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Trimming Baby's Nails

Your newborn's fingernails grow quickly just after birth, so you'll probably need to trim them every two or three days during those first three weeks. After that, his or her nails will harden and grow more slowly, but you'll still need to trim them at least once a week to protect you and your baby from sharp corners. 

The easiest and safest time to trim your baby's nails is when she is in deep sleep. You can tell your baby is in deep sleep when her arms and legs hang limply and her hands are wide open. Your baby's nails will also be softest just after a warm bath, so try giving your baby a bath before bed, and then trimming her nails after she falls asleep. Another good time to trim your baby's nails are during breastfeeding when she is so focused on eating, she won't notice you fussing with her hands - use a Boppy pillow to support his body so your hands are free.

If you must trim them while your baby is awake, get someone to help you distract her or hold her arm still so 

you decrease the chance you'll nick her finger. Always trim your baby's nails in a well-lighted area so you can see what you're doing. Some infant nail clippers even come with a tiny magnifying glass so you can see your baby's tiny nails better.

Some pediatricians recommend peeling a baby's nails off with your teeth or fingers, but peeling can inadvertently take off too much of the nail and nibbling can transfer germs from your mouth to her skin. It's best to use nail clippers especially made for baby's tiny hands. Press your baby's finger pad away from the nail to avoid nicking the skin and keep a firm hold on your child's hand as you clip. Trim the nail in one motion along the curve of the finger instead of cutting the nail straight across or with three short clips - these methods can leave sharp edges. It's also best to leave a little bit of white on your baby's nail to prevent cutting down to the quick. If your baby will let you (and you have the patience) you can also use an emery board to file your baby's nails down.

If you do nick your baby's skin (and trust me, everyone does at some point or another), wrap a sterile gauze pad around your baby's finger, apply gentle pressure, and hold it above her heart. The bleeding should stop in a minute or two. Resist the temptation to put a bandage on her finger; it could come off when he puts her hand in her mouth and she could choke on it. Instead, try using a liquid bandage that is approved for children. These products are nontoxic, dry quickly, and slough off with the dead skin cells when the wound is healed.

A baby's toenails grow more slowly than fingernails, so you only need to trim them once or twice a month; but keep an eye out for sharp edges or snags that can catch on blankets and scratch little legs. Once your baby starts wearing shoes, you'll need to trim toenails more often. 

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Bottle Feeding

Baby drinking bottle

There are lots of great reasons for bottle feeding. Perhaps you cannot breastfeed because of your health and comfort, or that of your baby. Perhaps you work and are away from your baby most of the day. Maybe you need to be able to monitor your baby's intake more closely, or perhaps you gave breastfeeding a shot and it just didn't work. In any case, there are a few things you should know about bottles and nipples before entrusting them with your baby's food.

Nipples come in a wide variety of models, but the nipple you choose, no matter what its features, should deliver breastmilk or formula in a steady drip. And whichever nipple you decide you like, you should buy it in bulk. You will need to be able to replace worn, thinning, and discolored nipples immediately because they can become choking hazards.

Bottles, too, come in a dizzying array, and you should not commit to a particular model until you have tested it. Many people prefer glass bottles, but if you prefer to use a plastic one, make sure that it is made from polypropylene. Also make sure you buy at least eight bottles, and that you pick up the four-ounce size for your newborn, and switch to the eight-ouncers later. Newborns' tummies can only hold one or two teaspoons of milk or formula, and they will soon be devouring one to two ounces, but you're still a while away from needing room for eight!

Before using new bottles, nipples, or rings, no matter their shape, size, or features, sterilize them by submerging them in boiling water for at least five minutes and sterilize them more than once if you are using well water. Let them drip dry on a clean towel. Once you have disinfected them this way once, you can routinely clean them in hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

It is equally important to make sure that the milk you are giving your baby is safe. If your baby is finished eating and there is still a little formula or breastmilk left over, it's best to throw it out. Every time your baby has finished a bottle, you need to clean it thoroughly. If you're using formula, make sure to follow the directions on the package when preparing it, and boil the water for one to two minutes before using it, even if the water you used was bottled rather than tap. When you're pumping milk for your baby, date the bottle or plastic liner you express into, refrigerate it, and make sure to use the milk within three or four days. Kept at room temperature, milk is usable for only 12 to 24 hours, but if you freeze the milk, at zero degrees, it can keep for as long as three to six months, though it does lose some of its antibodies.

When you are thawing frozen milk, or heating refrigerated milk, make sure to use your stovetop rather than your microwave. Microwaves heat unevenly. On your stovetop, heat water to below the boiling point with the bottle immersed, or use a bottle warmer. There is no reason to warm milk or formula before a feeding, but some babies prefer it warm because it reminds them of breastmilk direct from you. To ensure an accurate test and to redistribute the cream layer, shake the bottle before testing the temperature giving it to your baby.

Until your baby is on a schedule, you should offer to feed him or her every two to three hours, or whenever he seems hungry. To prevent him from taking in too much air, hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle and make sure that the nipple and neck of the bottle are always full. And never force your baby to suck down any more than he seems to want; when he spits out the nipple, he's done.

After every one to two ounces consumed burp your baby over your shoulder, over your lap, or while sitting and rocking. Don't rush the feedings. Watch your baby, respond to his cues, maintain eye contact, and cuddle away! Feedings are some of the most special mother-baby moments there are!

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Baby Dental Care

Baby brushing teeth

Baby teeth (also called deciduous or primary teeth) don't just give your baby an adorable grin, they serve an important purpose: they help your baby learn to chew and speak properly, encourage proper jaw growth, and act as "space savers" for adult, permanent teeth. To ensure your baby develops a healthy smile, it's important to take care of baby teeth.

You can begin good dental care for your baby before he or she is even born by eating a healthy diet and taking care of yourself during your pregnancy. Tooth buds begin forming under your baby's gums between the third and sixth month of gestation so be sure you eat a balanced diet; take your prenatal vitamins; and get enough vitamin A, C, and D; as well as protein, calcium and phosphorous.

A baby's first tooth usually erupts around 6 or 7 months of age (although this range can vary widely), but you can begin good dental care before your baby ever gives you that first toothy grin. "Baby bottle tooth decay" results when residual juice or milk pools around teeth and gums for long periods of time, such as during sleep. To prevent this, never allow your baby to fall asleep with a bottle of milk, juice, or any other sugary liquid and do not allow a toddler to carry a bottle around all day.

Before any teeth erupt, gently wipe your baby's gums twice a day using a clean, wet piece of gauze wrapped around your finger. And as soon as the first tooth breaks through, begin brushing it daily using a soft toothbrush made especially for little mouths. Toothpaste isn't recommended until your child is a little older (2 to 3 years old); and once you begin to use toothpaste, use only a small amount - about the size of a match head - and teach your child not to swallow it. Once two teeth come in next to each other, begin flossing every day.

You should take your child to a pediatric dentist (a dentist that specializes in children's dentistry) around his or her first birthday, or about six months after the first tooth erupts, and twice a year thereafter.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 67.3 percent of the U.S. population on public water supplies has access to fluoridated water. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen the tooth's enamel (outer coating) and recent studies show that water fluoridation reduces tooth decay in permanent teeth by approximately 18 to 40 percent. If your area does not have fluoridated water, ask your child's pediatrician or dentist about fluoride supplements.

Beginning good dental care early will ensure your child develops a mouth full of healthy teeth and an adorable smile.

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