Child care tips for Malaysians by Malaysians

The following child care tips were contributed by my friends on social networking sites such as MySpace and Friendster. Thanks to every one of you for making this possible. :-)

1. Always keep the baby neat and clean.
2. Cut the nails properly with utmost care.
3. Wet nappy should be removed and parts should be cleaned with soap.
4. Take care of the genitals because fungal infection is common in that area. Parts should be kept dry.
5. Care of the scalp is very important. Fungal infections such as dermatitis can be prevented by proper cleaning.
6. Tight dress can cause irritation; hence dress should be loose and should allow entry of air.
7. Room should have sufficient light and ventilation. It should be free from dust and insects.
8. Separate bed preferably water proof is needed for kids .It should be arranged near mother's bed.
9. Always keeps some music making toys near the baby.
10. While carrying the baby support the head with hand. Since the neck muscles are weak sudden fall of head can be dangerous.
11. Mother’s milk is the best nutrition for the baby, it also gives emotional attachment. Breast milk should be given as per the babies need preferably in mother sitting position. Proper cleaning of nipple is also necessary. Mother should take good nutritious diet throughout lactating period.
12. If there is some contraindication for breast feeding cows milk can be given. Feeding bottle should be cleaned with warm water and should be kept dry till next use.
13. Cows’ milk should be boiled and cooled. Some diseases like bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis etc spread through raw milk.
14. Some children are allergic to some substances like food,milk, dress, cosmetics etc.. Try to find out the material causing allergy and avoid such things.
15. Mosquito nets should be used regularly. Diseases like malaria, dengue, filariasis, yellow fever and etc spread through mosquito bites. Mosquito bite can also produce skin eruptions with some allergic reactions. It also disturbs sound sleep.
16. A calm atmosphere should be maintained for a good sleep. Compared to adults infants need more sleep. It is said that growth hormone secretion is activated during sleep.
17. Growth development, behavioral development, motor development, personal social development, language development etc should be noted down in relation to age. However parents need not be over anxious because slight variations are seen from individual to individual.
18. Assessment of growth by measuring height and weight is necessary.
19. In the early months of life infant may defecate after every feed. Proper toilet training should be given when the infant grows. The infant can be placed on the toilet seat by the age of ten months.
20. The toilet seat (potty seat) should be cleaned with antiseptic liquid before and after use. It should not be shared by other children.
21. If the baby shows some signs of distress like excessive crying, convulsions, fever with rigor, stiffness of neck, frequent vomiting and diarrhea, bluish discoloration of the body, difficult breathing with grunting, etc pay attention and consult your doctor.
22. A first aid box should be kept in the room, which should contain sterile cotton, dressing materials, antiseptic lotion and ointment and forceps. Separate book should be maintained to note down the phone numbers of doctors, ambulance, police etc.
23. Child's medicines should be kept in separate box. Information regarding dose and mode of administration should be written in a paper and affixed on the box.
24. While driving, keep the baby in separate seat belt.
25. When you are going out with the baby keep an identity card with your phone number and address inside his small pocket.
26. When the infant starts walking always accompany him to prevent a fall and injuries thereby.
27. In emergencies take the first aid measures and take the victim to nearby hospital.