Monday, December 08, 2008

Health Tips for December 8

Health Tip: When Your Baby Needs Shots

When it's time for your baby to get important vaccines, you should stay calm and keep the baby distracted and as comfortable as possible.

Here are suggestions to help you and baby get through it, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

  • Talk to your child softly and calmly, and don't let yourself get visibly upset.
  • Facing you, hold your baby on your lap in a firm hug during the shot.
  • Try to distract your baby by blowing some bubbles or shaking a toy.
  • For a very young baby, try putting a bit of sugar on the tongue or on the pacifier.
  • Before your baby gets the shot, apply pressure to the area.

Health Tip: Keep Bathroom Chemicals Locked Up

The bathroom may be full of potential dangers and temptations for young children.

Here are suggestions to prevent little hands from getting into bathroom chemicals or medications, courtesy of the National Safety Council:

  • Always keep drugs stored in a medicine cabinet that is secured with a lock or child-proof latch.
  • All medications should have a child-proof cap, and make sure it is secure and tight.
  • Mouthwash may contain alcohol, which even in small amounts can be dangerous for children. Keep mouthwash away from a child's reach.
  • When throwing away expired or unused medications, make sure the containers are secure and cannot be opened by children.
  • Store toilet cleaners -- which often contain toxic chemicals -- in a locked area that children cannot reach.

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