COMMON HOME REMEDIES FOR BABY PROBLEMS

Doctors recommend suctioning baby's nose to ease the congestion of a cold. Instant Cold compresses, you hear,are the best way to treat a burn. And steam is ideal for treating a baby with the croup. But just how do you suction a baby's nose? What is a cold compress? And how you build up enough steam to ease the croup? This guide to home remedies will give you the answers. COLD COMPRESSES Fill a basin ( a polystyrene bucket or cooler is best ) with cold water and a tray or two of ice cubes. Dip a clean flannel into the water, wring it out, and place it over the affected area. Repeat the process when the flannel is no longer cold.

COLD SOCKS

Fill a basin ( a polystyrene bucket or cooler is best ) with cold water and a few ice cubes. Immerse the injured part for 15 to 30 minutes, if possible. Repeat 30 minutes after first soak, if necessary. Do not apply ice directly to baby's skin.

COOL COMPRESSES

Fill a basin with cold water. Dip a flannel or towel into the water, wring it out, and place it over the affected area. Repeat the process when the flannel is no longer wet and cool.

EYE SOCKS

For eyes, dip a clean a flannel in warm, not hot, water ( test it for comfort on your inner wrist or forearm ) and apply to baby's eye for 5 to 10 minutes every 3 hours.

HEATING PAD

A hot-water bottle,which has no cords or heating element, is usually safer to use with an infant. If you use a heating pad, reread directions before each use, be sure the pad and cord are in good condition, and cover entirely with a cloth nappy if the pad doesn't have cloth covering. Keep the temperature low, do not leave baby during treatment, and use for no more than 15 minutes at a time.

HOT SOCKS

Fill a basin with water that feels comfortably hot on your inner wrist or arm ( not to your fingers ). Never use water you haven't tested first. Immerse injured part in basin.

HOT-WATER BOTTLE

Fill a hot-water bottle with water that is just a little warm to the touch. Wrap the bottle in a towel or cloth nappy before applying to baby's skin.

ICE PACK

Use a commercial ice pack you keep in the freezer or a plastic bag filled with ice cubes ( and a couple of paper towels to absorb the melting ice ) and closed with a twist tie or rubber band. You can also use an unopened can of frozen juice concentrate or an unopened packet of frozen food. Do not apply the ice pack directly to a baby's skin.

INCREASED FLUIDS

If you are advise to increase fluids; frequently nurse the solely breast fed baby. Give formula to a bottle-fed baby,Unless instructed otherwise by the doctor. Give water between feedings for babies older than six months,if recommended by your doctor. When baby is taking juice,dilute to half juice,half water. For an older baby,ask the doctor about re hydration fluids. Do not force fluids unless the doctor tells you to. When baby is vomiting, tiny sips of fluids spaced out stay better than large quantities.

NASAL ASPIRATION

With baby held upright,squeeze the bulb of an aspirator and place the tip carefully in one nostril. Slowly release the bulb no draw mucus into it. Repeat with the second nostril. If mucus is dried and caked, irrigate with salt water ( see below ) and aspirate again.

SALTWATER IRRIGATION

Through it's possible to use a homemade salt solution ( add 1/8 teaspoon salt to 120ml ( 4 fl oz ) cooled boiled water), commercial saline solutions are safer, and worth keeping around the house. Put two drops in each nostril using a small dropper to soften crusts and clear congestion. Wait 3 to 5 minutes and suction with a nasal aspirator.

STEAM

Use a warm-mist humidifier or a steam vaporizer placed out of baby's reach to moisten the air; or place a bowel hot water on a hot radiator ( out of baby's reach ) or a kettle or pot of hot water on the stove in the same room as a baby. For quick and abundant steam for a baby with croup, close the bathroom door, turn on the hot water in the shower full blast,and fill the room with steam. Remain with baby in the bathroom until thru croupy cough stops. If the cough has not improved in 10 minutes, check with baby's doctor.

WARM COMPRESSES

Fill a basin ( a polystyrene bucket or cooler is best ) with warm,not hot,water ( it should not feel uncomfortable on your upper arm ), Dip a clean flannel into the water, wring it out, and place it over the affected area.

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