When you have a baby, all you want in the well being of your little angel. Naturally, all you think about, all you talk about and all you do, is regarding the safety of the baby. So, a Baby Safety Month may come across as redundant. Still, we are going to revise the basic safety measure that we require to take when we have a baby in the house. Without further ado…
Vaccination
To live a long life, the first protection a baby needs is an armour against the tiniest enemies – microbes. Vaccinations are the best way to improve your child’s immunity and protect your child from infections, for healthy well being. The best of all the vaccines is the first milk the mother provides for the new born. You can adopt the national immunisation schedule which is followed in all the government hospitals and immunisation policies or discuss with your Pediatrician regarding a personalised schedule and other special vaccinations. You must be very very careful that you do not miss out on the shots and that your baby gets the shots on the scheduled day. Vaccination will make them immune to many harmful, sometimes disabling or life-threatening, diseases.
Health & Hygiene
Always be vigilant about the health indicators of your child: eating schedule, urination, bowel movement, sleeping schedule, whether or not the baby is happy, weight gain and speech activities. Bathe your baby regularly – wipe the baby folds and in between finger with a wet cloth; shampoo once or twice a week, avoid diapers when at home, you can use sterile cotton diapers. Always use cotton or linen clothing as the second skin, upon which you can use thermals.
Care-giving
caregiving arrangements must be made even before the birth of the child. Arrange for maternity and paternity leaves. Even if the mother goes to work, make sure that the baby is fed breast milk upto the age of 6 months. In absence of parents or other close family members, arrange for an experienced and caring baby-sitter. Never leave you baby under the supervision of your older child (who is also, just a child).
When To See A Doctor
If you see any abnormality or feel that your baby in in discomfort, or even if you think that the baby is not growing as fast as ‘normal’, consult a doctor. You should never hesitate to call a doctor. Even if you think it’s a minor problem and can be cured with a home remedy, confirm the same with your doctor. But, most importantly, do not take your doctors to self-proclaimed baby experts like midwives – you could be risking the life of your baby.
Choking & Drowning Hazards
Small toys, detachable toy parts, plastic bag, and many other small things can prove to be choking hazards. Babies are curious, they want to explore everything and in the initial years of their life, they stay very keen to experiment things with their mouth. So, make sure that you keep the choking hazards safely out of their reach. There are many reports of babies drowning in bathtubs, buckets or even in a rain-puddle of a yard. Always keep a watch on your baby’s activities and never leave him alone. You baby is your/our responsibility. Do not count on anyone else for his/her care. Experts can only guide you regarding how to keep your baby healthy. But, at the end, it’s all up to us and how we take care of our children. This September, on the occasion of Baby Safety Month, we urge you to be very very careful when it comes to your baby’s safety.
About The Hospital:
Sai Siva Children’s Hospital, Chanda Nagar, is a full-fledged medical facility specially designed for pediatric patients as well as young adults. The hospital was started in the year 2008, with the aim of reaching out to schools and villages to educate the middle and high school students about health & hygiene. Sai Siva Children’s Hospital is one of the most sought-after children’s hospitals in Hyderabad with a team of experienced doctors and skilled staff who aim to help your child have healthy growth and development. We believe that children today are the future of our world, and must have good health to make the world a better place to live in.