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12 Tips For Keeping Your Child Healthy

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Are you worried about keeping your little one safe and healthy? Newborns are at a higher risk of contracting an illness from germs and bacteria around them. Changes in the environment can easily affect a baby because its immune system is weak. Hence as a parent, it is your responsibility to be vigilant when taking care of your child. Hence, here are some tips to help you out in this task.

  1. Stay updated on shots and immunizations

Infants do not receive immunization shots until at least six months after being born (except for Hepatitis B vaccination given at birth). Still follow up with your kid’s doctor on when vaccinations are due. Also, the people around your child need to be vaccinated. This includes siblings, relatives, and anyone who comes to visit your baby. If you have to prevent non-vaccinated people from touching your baby, do it!

  1. Ensure proper clothing

What the baby wears is important because their skin is extremely sensitive to the environment’s temperature. The too cold or too hot temperature may become dangerous for the baby. Hence, you must know how to manage your baby’s body temperature by ensuring they’re properly dressed. Generally, babies should be dressed a little warmer than how you dress yourself.

  1. Constantly check for injuries

Birth injuries are pretty common, but most heal quickly over time. If your child’s birth injury is severe, you should seek legal help to sue the negligent staff and secure compensation for future treatment. Read up on signs for conditions such as cerebral palsy or Erb’s palsy to be better informed. Keep the pediatrician’s number at hand in case of any other physical injuries your child might incur. 

  1. Breastfeed

Breastfeeding is a healthy habit. Moms should breastfeed during the early months. This helps with the baby’s health significantly by providing them with the mother’s antibodies that bolster the immune system. Breast milk also provides the baby with essential nourishment for healthy growth. Only opt for formula milk if you can’t breastfeed or if the doctor recommends it.

  1. Wash hands and tell others to do it too

Babies attract much attention from relatives, friends, and strangers who want to hold your baby or touch its cheeks. This increases their exposure to germs that may cause infections. So wash your hands regularly while handling your child. You should also ask visitors to wash their hands before touching your baby. It may sound rude, but it’s essential for your little one’s health.

  1. Watch where you go with your baby

Avoid taking your child to places with too many people because this exposes them to catching infections. Take them out to areas with clean air, such as a park or anywhere with a fresh breeze. Protect the baby from direct UV rays. 

  1. Keep your baby hydrated

Hydration is extremely vital to the health of the baby. While breastfeeding helps with the baby’s immune system, hydration helps with the baby’s respiration. So, be sure you provide water to the baby and know how hydrated they are. You can tell by the number of times the child wets their nappy. A newborn goes through a new nappy every 4 to 6 hours. 

  1. Sterilize the bottles

Cleaning the feeding bottles with detergent or soap is not enough at times. A newborn’s immune system is at risk of exposure to bacteria and viruses, so invest in a good sterilizer and ensure you are sterilizing the bottles and spoons you use.

  1. Clean your humidifier regularly

Using a humidifier if you live in a dry area is normal. However, humidifiers can accumulate dust and toxins that may trigger breathing problems and other allergies. Ensure you do not overuse the humidifier. Clean your humidifier and HVAC system regularly to keep the air in your home breathable.

  1. Ensure your sleep and health

You may lose a lot of sleep while taking care of your little one because of their constantly changing sleeping schedule. However, your sleep still matters since it affects your mental and physical health. An unhealthy you will not be able to look after a child. Ensure you and your partner divide responsibilities so both of you can get enough hours to sleep. If you are a single parent, take naps when your baby is sleeping.

  1. Reduce your screen time in front of the child

Your behavior around the baby greatly impacts the baby’s health as well. Using a smartphone next to your newborn can strain the baby’s eyes. The constantly illuminated screen and its sounds can create an artificial environment that is not healthy for the baby, both physically and psychologically. So, put down your phone when you are next to your baby.

  1. Talk to them regularly

Talking to your baby can help create a healthy cognitive capacity in a newborn, which can help with audition and language building as the child grows up. Talk to a baby like you would to an adult and avoid using baby talk. Baby talk can create language impairment issues later in life. Hence, talk to your baby directly and regularly.

Conclusion

Looking after a child can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. This article mentions a few tips for you to ensure your child is safe and healthy. Be sure to consult a pediatrician for extra advice on diet, vaccinations, sleep cycle, and baby hygiene.

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