Peninsula Pediatrics

Category: Safety & Prevention

How to Give Your Baby a Bath

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Bathing your baby can be a great bonding experience, but for many new parents, it also brings a lot of questions. You might be wondering how often you should bathe your baby and how to do so safely. We provide some of the basics and essentials to know about giving your child baths. During the first two weeks of your newborn’s life, your baby should get sponge baths until their umbilical cord area heals completely. This helps prevent infection. As newborns rarely sweat or get dirty, you don’t need to bathe your baby every day. Doing so can dry out your baby’s skin, which is sensitive when they’re still so young. Two to three times per week is sufficient. For a sponge bath, gather all your supplies before you begin. Have a basin of warm water ready, but make sure it’s not hot. You’ll also want to use a soft washcloth, a mild baby soap if desired, and a clean towel. Lay your baby on a flat, safe surface like a changing pad, and keep them wrapped in a towel, uncovering only the areas you’re washing. Gently clean their face, neck, hands, and diaper area. Use a damp cloth to clean your baby and avoid scrubbing. After you’re done, you can pat them dry and dress them in fresh clothes.

Once your baby’s umbilical cord area has healed, you can start giving tub baths. It’s best to use a small plastic baby tub that has a sloped, textured surface or a sling that keeps your baby from sliding. Always place the tub on a flat surface where you can maintain full attention. Babies should never be left unattended in a tub, not even for a moment. Use just a few inches of warm water and always check the temperature with your wrist or elbow before placing your baby in the tub. You don’t need to use soap every time, but when you do, opt for a mild, fragrance-free baby wash.

Support your baby’s head and neck with one hand and use the other to gently bathe them. It’s recommended to start with the cleanest areas, like the face, and work your way down to the diaper area. Use a soft washcloth and avoid getting water in their ears or eyes. Most babies only need a few minutes in the bath. When they’re finished, gently lift your baby out, supporting their head and neck, and wrap them in a soft towel immediately. Babies lose heat quickly, so it’s important to dry and dress them right away. Once your baby is several months old and has begun eating solids and is moving around more, you can bathe them more regularly. It’s still, however, important to use gentle, non-drying products and limit soap to avoid skin irritation.

Bath time can be relaxing for babies, but there are some precautions to be aware of. Drowning can happen in a few seconds and even in one to two inches of water. That is why babies should always be supervised in a tub. It’s important to keep one hand on your baby at all times while bathing. As babies have thin skin, the temperature of the water is important. Water that is too hot (120 degrees Fahrenheit or more) can damage your baby’s skin. Make sure the tub is not too slippery. You can place a non-slip mat or towel inside. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding the use of bath seats. While they can help a child to sit upright in an adult bathtub, they can tip over and put your baby in danger of drowning or injury.

By following all of these tips, you can create a pleasant bathing experience for your child. If you have any questions or concerns about your infant’s health or development, please call our office.

Preparing Your Child for College

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Do you have a child going off to college this year? Starting college is an exciting milestone for both kids and parents. However, this new chapter can also bring about anxiety. Your child might be living away from home for the first time, making decisions on their own, becoming more independent, and taking on new challenges. We have tips on how to ease this transition, help your child feel prepared, and guide them on how to make healthy and informed choices.

Navigating Emotions and Fears About College
Before college begins in the fall, check in with your teen to see how they’re feeling. It’s normal for them to have a mix of emotions and thoughts about college, including excitement, worries, curiosity, and sadness. They might be looking forward to this next major step in their life and making new friends, while also feeling sad about moving away from their home and the life they have known. Remind them that they’re not alone and that many teens feel this way about starting college.

Your teen might also have concerns that they won’t be able to adapt to the academic challenges of college, choose a major, or make friends. One of the best ways to help your child manage their doubts and fears is to teach them how to reframe them and use positive affirmations. Talk to them about how much they have accomplished so far and the skills that they’ve already developed. Let them know that as they go through college, they will continue growing and be able to tackle new challenges. You can also introduce simple mindfulness or journaling exercises to help them process their emotions and stay grounded. If your child feels anxious about moving away from home, it’s important to let them know that your support doesn’t end just because they’ll be living somewhere else. Reassure them that they can always call and text you when they need help or someone to talk to.

Helping Teens Build Healthy Habits for College
College can throw routines out of balance, so help your teen create a foundation of good habits and self-care practices before they start their first semester. For example, many teens don’t get enough sleep to keep up with their school demands and social life. However, sleep is essential for concentration and mental health. Encourage your child to prioritize their rest, eat healthy and well-balanced meals, stay active, and take breaks from screens and social media. Building these habits before move-in day can make it easier for them to stick. It’s also helpful to go over other important life skills, such as time management and keeping up with their dental and doctor appointments. If your child uses any medications, talk to them about taking them as instructed and staying on top of their prescriptions.

Making Safe and Healthy Choices in College
Additionally, you’ll also want to have a conversation with your child about making safe, healthy, and responsible choices. Discuss alcohol and drug use and warn them about the dangers of binge drinking and substance abuse. Binge drinking is typically defined as having 4-5 or more alcoholic drinks within a single period. Consuming too much alcohol can lead to severe illness, long-term health problems, and even death. Alcohol can also impair judgment, which can lead to irresponsible decisions and make one vulnerable to dangerous situations. It’s important that your child understands the risks. If they are of legal age and choose to drink, encourage them to always eat beforehand, drink water in between alcoholic beverages, and know their limits. They should avoid exceeding a moderate amount, which is 1-2 drinks. However, note that no amount of alcohol is considered safe. Furthermore, you’ll want to remind your child to never drink and drive. It’s also imperative that your teen understands that alcohol and drugs should never be used to cope with mental health struggles. If they’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, encourage them to talk to someone they trust or seek support from a counselor.

Lastly, it’s important to talk to your teen about safe sex and what healthy, respectful relationships look like. Have a conversation with them about consent and remind them that they should never do anything they’re uncomfortable with or because they feel pressured to. If your teen chooses to be sexually active, make sure they know about precautions to follow, including how to use protection. If they’re considering birth control pills, they should first speak with a healthcare provider. And even if they are taking precautions, it’s still important that they keep up with medical checkups for testing and that they get vaccinated against HPV. For more information about birth control, visit this guide.

Remember that before your child starts college, they should be up-to-date with their vaccinations and physicals. To schedule an appointment or talk about health planning for college, please call our office.

Keeping Your Baby Safe and Cool During the Summer

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Your baby’s first summer can feel exciting as you get to spend more time outdoors with them and enjoy the sunshine together. While summer is a fun season, it also comes with potential risks for babies. Infants are more sensitive to high temperatures and sun exposure because their bodies aren’t yet able to regulate temperature as effectively as adults. That’s why it’s important to take extra steps to keep your baby safe, cool, and comfortable throughout the warmer months.

Dress Your Baby for Hot Weather and Protect Them from the Sun

One of the best ways to keep your baby cool during the hot season is to dress them in light-colored, lightweight, and breathable clothing that covers most of their skin to also protect them from the sun. Be careful not to overdress them, however, as too much clothing can make your child feel overheated and uncomfortable. If your baby is sweating or acting fussy, that’s a sign that they’re feeling too hot. It’s also beneficial to give your baby a wide-brimmed hat to keep their head, face, and neck shaded.

Remember that babies under 6 months of age should be away from direct sunlight, as they have delicate skin that is more sensitive to the sun. When you go outside with your child, find shade under a tree or use an umbrella or the stroller canopy. Limit their sun exposure during the sun’s peak hours (between 10 am and 4 pm) as this is when the UV rays are strongest. It’s also important to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside (if your baby is over the age of 6 months) and reapply every 2 hours. Sunscreen should be used even on cloudy days and should have an SPF of at least 30. We recommend giving your baby sunglasses with at least 99% UV protection as well. 

Keep Your Baby Hydrated

Babies are at greater risk of dehydration because their small bodies lose fluids more quickly. If your baby is under 6 months old, breast milk or formula provides all the hydration they need. It’s important to offer feeds more frequently during hot weather. If your baby is over 6 months old and is eating solids, you can offer 4-8 ounces of water per day in addition to breast milk or formula. Watch for signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet diapers, dry lips, fussiness, or unusual sleepiness. If you notice any of these signs, please call our pediatrician.

Protect Your Baby from Water

Water safety is also important to consider when keeping your baby safe during the summer. Babies should never be near water without adult supervision, even if the water is shallow. Just 1-2 inches of water can be dangerous for infants. If you have an inflatable or portable pool, empty it after every use and turn it upside down. If you have a regular pool, make sure it is fenced properly or covered when not in use. Babies should not be introduced to pools until they’re at least 6 months of age. 

Protect Your Baby from Insect Bites

There are more insects around in the summer, especially in areas of vegetation. To prevent insect bites, you can use an insect repellent, but only if your baby is at least 2 months old. Make sure to use a repellent that comes in the form of a stick, lotion, or unpressurized spray. Pressurized spray can cause your infant to breathe in the repellent or get it in their eyes. Avoid applying the repellent on your baby’s hands in case your child puts their hands in their mouth. When you bring your baby back inside, wash the repellent off their skin with soap and water. If your baby is younger than 2 months, we recommend placing a net over their stroller or carrier to prevent bugs from getting inside.

Keep Indoor Spaces Cool

Babies should always be kept in a comfortable temperature at home. Overheating can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The ideal temperature is between 68-72°F (20-22°C). We recommend using an air conditioner or fan to keep your home cool. Make sure your baby is also dressed in a single layer of light clothing only. If there are a lot of windows in your baby’s room, keep the curtains or blinds closed during the sun’s peak times, as the sunlight can increase the temperature of the room. 

Lastly, keep a lookout for signs of heat illness and exhaustion, such as rapid breathing, flushed skin, restlessness, vomiting, or even becoming unusually quiet or unresponsive. If your baby shows any of these signs, move them to a cool area immediately and call our office. Remember, if you have questions or concerns about your baby’s health during the summer, our pediatrician is here to support you.