Umbilical cord and Umbilicus
: Clean the child's umbilicus / umbilical
cord with soap and water while bathing and dry
it well after bath. Do not apply boric powder
orany other medicinal powder / cream abdomen with
a cloth. Some babies may have intermittent balloon
like swelling of the umbilicus, especially when
child strains and disappears when the child sleeps.
This is called an umbilical herniaand in a majority
of children this will disappear by the second
birthday. Do not tie a coin or any other object
over the hernia. A persistently wet umbilicus
many days after falling of the umbilical cord
requires medical opinion.
Disinfectant :
There is no need to add any disinfectant to
child's bathing water or for washing child's
clothes.
Powder and Oil :
The use of talcum powder and oil for the child
is not necessary.  While
applying talcum powder, care should be taken
that it does not enter into child's nose / ears/
eyes, as this can cause allergy, cough and wheezing.
Minimal necessary quantity of talcum powder
should be used, Ordinary coconut oil is good
for massage. However oil massage can cause a
skin rash, especially in hot weather.
Eyes : The
use of kajal(Kohl) is dangerous. Some types
contain lead and can cause lead poisoning. The
kajal particles may cause blockage of the duct
connecting the eyes and nose, causing persistent
watering of eyes. Do not eye drops routinely.
If there is discharge or watering from the eye,
consult your doctor.
Smoke :
Do not burn coal / wood or any other smoke producing
substance to give heat fomentation to the child
or the mother. The baby may suffer from cough
and cold due to smoke. For the mother nonleaking
hot water bags / electric devices can be used
for the same.
Hands and Legs :
Till 3-4 months of age the child is unable to
straighten its limbs. Therefore do not try to
stretch the hands and legs forcibly while wrapping
the baby or otherwise.
Typing of Thread :
Do not tie a thread around the child's neck,
waist or wrist. If desired, tie the thread around
the arms or ankles.
Clothes :
A baby should be clothed in simple cotton material.
Baby should neither be overwrapped, nor underclothed.
Former may cause fever and latter can cause
hypothermia(low body temperature).
Nappies and nappy rash
: Nappies can be prepared at home
from a cotton cloth(Contact any MSG Leader to
learn this). These are cheap and perhaps as
good as readymade nappies available in the market.
Changing the nappy as soon as it
gets well will prevent nappy rash.
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guide to Routine Infant Care
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