2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 18:44
Certain actions that may seem innocuous are contraindicated for babies and young children. Here are 10 things not to do when caring for a baby.
Cotton swabs
Q-tips should never be used to clean the ears of babies and very young children. To avoid piercing his eardrum or hurting him if he moves, use a damp, warm washcloth that you simply wipe his ear without going into the ear canal.
Pillows, cushions and teddy bears
To prevent your child from suffocating, it is best not to put any pillows in the crib. You should also avoid fabrics and cushions that are meant to be placed all around the crib. Indeed, these could envelop the face of your baby who inadvertently moved and he would probably not be able to turn over if he ran out of air. Teddy bears also represent a risk, even for your slightly older child since they could be used for climbing… and falling.
Syrup
He alth Canada advises against giving cough medicine to children under the age of 6, whether in the form of syrup, pill orsuppository. In addition to being useless against his cough, they could be dangerous for your child. If your baby is coughing a lot, humidify his room, keep him hydrated and see a doctor if the cough lasts more than 5 days.
Sunscreen
Before 6 months, your baby's skin is very sensitive and prone to allergies. The Canadian Dermatology Association recommends keeping babies under one year old in the shade and protecting them with loose clothing and a hat. If you must put sunscreen on him, choose a product recommended for babies. These products are often sold in specialized shops where you can be advised on the best one.
Shell
Your baby's shell is wonderful for moving from car to stroller and to make sure your baby is safe when you shower, but it's best not to leave in there your baby for hours. Have your baby sleep in a lying position and let him play on his stomach rather than keeping him in a car seat for too long, which will put too much pressure on his spine and may affect his long-term breathing.
DVR Maneuver
If your baby should unfortunately choke on food, it is good to know that you should not practice the Heimlich maneuver for adults (the one that consists of applying pressure with the thumbs under the ribs). If this happens to you, you should place the baby face down instead.on your forearm while holding his head with your fingers on either side of his mouth. It is then necessary to exert a firm and rapid pressure 5 times in his back. If you can't see the foreign body in his mouth and he's still choking, push firmly in the middle of his chest 5 times with your fingers. Repeat until the foreign body comes out or help arrives. If your child is unconscious, call 911 immediately.
We have an online video that shows you how.
If baby is choking on a liquid, the maneuver is different and is explained in this document from the CHU de Sherbrooke.
Animals
A newborn baby does not yet give off the smell that is unique to human beings. This is why you should never leave a baby alone in the presence of an animal. He could be perceived as a predator and be attacked by your animal who proudly defends his territory.
Honey
Honey should not be given to a baby before the age of one year, either to sweeten food or to dip a pacifier in it. This is because honey can contain botulism spores and grow in your infant's gut. Infant botulism is a rare but deadly disease.
Standing on your feet too soon
A baby's legs and back are not strong enough to support their full weight and it is not recommended to stand them up too early, even when holding them under their arms. Above all, it is contraindicated to put it ina walker, baby walkers have been banned in Canada since 2004 due to the high risk of accidents. It is best to wait until your baby is 6 to 8 months old and can sit up before letting him stand up. Moreover, even at this age you only have to do it for a few minutes, even if certain reflexes give the impression that he is capable of it.
Playing too vigorously
A laughing baby is adorable and we all look forward to playing with our child, but you have to be gentle with a baby because he is extremely fragile. Shaking it, for example, can cause irreversible neurological damage. The ratio between his arms and his body is also too low for him to be lifted by his hands and rotated to avoid dislocating his elbow or shoulder. It's best to gently play tickle and lift a small baby into the plane. More energetic games will come a bit later.
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