Isn’t it just nice to lay back and retire to a few moments of sleep know that you and your children are going to spend the day relaxing? But what if in the middle of that oh-so-needed sleep, you wake up realizing that your toddler or preschooler is crying and something seems totally wrong with his eye? In such cases, what shall you immediately do? What should you refrain from doing?

If you have figured that your child really has something in his eye, try to restrain him from rubbing the affected area as this may scratch the superficial layer of the eye. Encourage him to blink his eyes to dislodge the foreign matter. He may be crying at this point and this is perfectly fine as it may also help in washing out the particles. Quickly wash your hands before attempting to check the eyes by pulling both upper lid (upward) and lower lid (downward).

When you note that your child’s tears and blinking do not help, go to faucet and try to run to let water flow freely (indirectly) on the side of the affected area. If clean water is not readily available there eye solutions or eye drops that may be available in your kit. Always check the expiration date.

It is also possible to remove the foreign material using a cotton bud or the edge of a cloth, just make sure it is clean. If it does not still work, go to the nearest emergency room especially if your kid continues to wail and complain about pain in the eyes. Do yourself and your child a favor, do not ever attempt to remove a dislodged material in your child’s eyes. Let a qualified personnel do it for you instead. On the way, try to keep your child as still as possible and do not let him touch his eyes. Additionally, putting a bandage over the eyes is not encouraged, instead, hold a cup over the eyes and at the same time, try not to cause any undue pressure to avoid further possible injury.

Other instances that necessitate a visit to the nearest emergency room include injuries such as blurred or double vision, bruising in and around the eyes, an eyelid that is torn as well as inflamed eyes where mucus may also be seen. Additionally, you should also visit the doctor if you notice that one eye seems to bulge more compared to the other or if you see completely different sizes of your kid’s pupils.

Again, you are cautioned not to attempt to touch an injured eye. Permanent damage may be reversible and needless to say, this will affect your child’s life forever.

At the hospital or clinic, your doctor will order the necessary treatment suitable for your child’s condition. Antibiotic drops, cold compress, warm compress and rest are the usual recommendations. If the injury is very severe, surgery may be indicated. Always buckle your child up properly in the car.

In the meantime, while nothing close to an eye injury has happened to your child, you should already consider childproofing your home.

In a perfect world, you could bring your baby everywhere and no one would mind, just like you did for the nine months he or she was in your womb. Reality check: Your infant is not portable, so strapping him or her comfy in the car seat while you run errands, is not the safest and most appropriate idea. Besides that, public places can be congested with bacteria or viruses that can cause your little one to catch an infection.

So what do you do when you desperately need to get your errands done, or just to take a breather from it all? Before you pack your diaper bag and get your baby to tag along, consider thinking twice, if these are the places you have to go to:

 The movies

Here’s a popular trick many wise moms do when they’ve had enough of a sleepless, screaming baby: They turn their vacuum cleaner on, and the droning eventually gets to the baby, lulling him or her to slumber. Could this same trick work if you bring your baby to the movies and wait for the movie sounds to make him or her fall asleep?

Not likely. More importantly, that surround sound at the movies is enough to cause your baby some serious ear damage. Any sound louder than ninety decibels can have a negative impact on a baby’s sense of hearing. Movies today play sound that is louder than 130 decibels, so do the math.

Consider social etiquette. Movie goers pay to watch a great movie, not one accompanied by the shrill cry of an inconsolable infant. If you really want to see a film, wait till it comes out on DVD and then you can see it in the comfort of your own home and at your own convenient time.

 Weddings and Formal Events

You can dress your baby up in a cute baby tux, but the scents and presence of strangers can turn your little cutie in a little cranky. Weddings are supposed to be memorable and perfect events, and you wouldn’t want to ruin it for the couple if your baby struggles, squirms and cries non-stop during the ceremony and the reception. If you aren’t sure, ask the host if you can bring your baby. But it really is best not to. Some weddings have on-site babysitting, or you can leave your baby with a sitter in your hotel room and conveniently visit him or her while still being present at the wedding reception.

 Restaurants

If you think you can have a perfect, peaceful meal and have your little baby happily sitting in his or her high chair, you haven’t seen anything yet. Scents from strange food, and the buzz of the crowd can irritate your baby. He or she will wiggle out of the high chair, may risk falling, or even pick up food particles from the table when you aren’t looking, increasing the risk for aspiration or choking. Your baby may also unknowingly annoy the other people who would simply like to enjoy a quiet meal. While restaurants don’t have a rule against babies, it is wise to call beforehand and ask if it’s okay. Also, avoid ones that have linen tablecloths or Formica tables. Schedule your meal when your baby is properly rested and well-fed, so you will have a better chance of eating while your baby happily plays. If you aren’t sure, it’s best to leave the little one home with a sitter.

These days, it is difficult for parents to entrust their children to anyone. With the many reports about crime and violence, parents should see to it that before they let someone else take care of their child, a careful review and assessment should be made. This applies to guardians, nannies and even to daycare centers. As parents, we want to make sure that our children are left in the best people who can help with our children’s growth and development.

And so, we ask, what are the ingredients of a good daycare center?

Firstly, we have to be very keen in observing the daycare center we plan to register our child. It is perfectly fine to ask probing questions. Be inquisitive and critical when talking to any personnel of the center. This applies to the utility personnel up to the directress. When you ask questions, make sure to cover everything from safety measures in the physical structure as well as the rules about the people who have access to the school. A security guard is not enough; other regulations practiced should also be considered. On the other hand, when we talk about the physical structure of the place, check fire exits, the ventilation as well as other forms of hazards that might endanger your kid.

Another major factor to consider is accreditation. A center, before becoming accredited, has to pass standards set by a governing agency. Most probably, the reputation of the said center is not tarnished. This is not always the case though so you have to look for other factors. The same is true with licensing. The center won’t be operating in the first place if it is not licensed. The internet is an accessible tool you could make use of to verify.

You should also make it a point to listen to the conversation of parents and guardians fetching their children. Needless to say, listen but be discerning. You can also ask around your workplace or consult your neighbor. You will surely have the information you need.

Check out the curriculum. A good daycare center provides different avenues for learning. The schedules should be structured as much as possible. Apart from learning, an excellent daycare center should also cater to other activities like a time for snacks or meals, a time for relaxation and/or playing. In addition, it is equally important to make sure that the toys in the center are appropriate for your child’s age. Also, the playground should also be a safe and stimulating place for your child.

Another aspect you should look into is the personnel employed. Look into their credentials and see how well-trained they are especially in cases of emergencies and other sorts of problems. Also, the ratio of the personnel to the students should also be taken into consideration.

Finally, make your first impression a guideline in determining whether a daycare center is really a suitable place for your child. At the same time, give the benefit of your doubt to the center; if you see problems, it is a good thing to verify whether what you think is really true or not.

A chalazion refers to a lump formation on our eyelids. Most of the time, it appears like the person who has it must have been bitten by an insect. It can happen to anyone even to your child, which is why, as parents we have to be informed about the said condition. If not, we may end up not knowing that our child may already be suffering from a condition that should have been prevented or controlled in the first place.

A chalazion is an obvious inflammation where the gland located in the lid becomes blocked and clogged due to oil buildup. It starts as a very small nodule which may grow significantly similar to the size of a pea. Thankfully, the said condition is not contagious but it will definitely be there for quite a while, from a few days to a few weeks.

When you confirm that your kid indeed has a chalazion, it does not necessarily mean that he will have problems with his vision unless the chalazion becomes too big that it causes undue pressure on the eyeball. When this happens, you will have to bring your child to a trusted and reputable ophthalmologist to check and assess the possibility of an eye infection and to rule out whether your child is really suffering from chalazion or not.

In case your child acquires a chalazion, the first thing that you should do is to apply warm compress on the affected lid. This is a very effective method in combating chalazion in its earliest stages. The reason behind is to soften the clogged oils to promote drainage. As always, it is important to wash your hands before touching the chalazion to avoid further infection. It is also necessary to remind your child to do the same thing and to, as much as possible, control his urge to touch or rub his eyes. The compress should be applied for at least ten minutes three times a day until the problem is resolved. When you do this, your kid may become squirmy. Make sure that you have other activities on hand. You could encourage your child to watch TV or listen to music while applying the compression. Also, try not to pop the chalazion as this would result to a possible infection. In case your doctor determines the presence of an infection, your child will be administered with antibiotic drops or an ointment to use. Additionally, he may also order an injection of steroids to control and further stop the inflammation. If this does not work, an ophthalmologist may be needed to operate on the chalazion. Even if it can be done in a clinic, your child will have to be inducted with an anesthesia.

To prevent chalazion, remember to encourage good personal hygiene to your child. This way, unnecessary clogging will be prevented.

Finally, a chalazion is different from that of a sty. A sty is absolutely more painful. Apart from that, it is more visible in the skin once it is formed; moreso, it has other characteristics like redness, swelling or tenderness and an accompanying discharge.

Phthalates refer to chemical substances used in plastics specifically polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to make such products softer. As known to many, a lot of our baby products or even household goods are made of plastics. Apart from that, phthalates are also utilized in lotions, shampoos and other cosmetic products like fragrances and powders.

The controversial issue that surround phthalates continue to hound the manufacturers even after the assertion that no conclusive studies show that phthalates are indeed dangerous in the usual amounts used; however, other groups continue to disagree. The question therefore is, should parents be concerned about the growing disapproval with phthalates use?

In the Journal of Pediatrics, a research entitled Baby Care Products: Possible Sources of Infant Phthalate Exposure contends that infants are not spared as regards exposure to phthalates and the main reason behind such exposure is the use of personal care merchandise applied onto the skin. Experts from the University of Washington’s Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Rochester are also one in saying that babies may have more problems with phthalates compared to children or adults because their important systems are still adjusting to the life outside the uterus. Specifically, the endocrine, immune, and reproductive systems are still developing.

Another group also divulged that based on animal studies, problems regarding conception and birth have also surfaced. It has been deduced that phthalates exposure causes a difference in birth weight and gestational age. Lower production of sperm and abnormalities in the structure of the male reproductive system was also suggested.

Moreover, the research also looks on the possibility that phthalates may also be related to incidences of asthma. Other researches are focused on identifying the link between the risk of childhood obesity and phthalates. Still others are associating the timing of puberty to phthalates.

With several arguments made, it is but normal for parents to be worried especially when considering that a baby’s body as well as a child is very fragile and vulnerable. Therefore, measures should be taken to reduce or limit the exposure to the questionable chemical agents.

One suggestion made is not to buy unnecessary baby products. This means, parents should go easy on using or experimenting different products on their baby especially if it was not prescribed or ordered by the doctor.

Be vigilant about the products that you use. Some manufacturers will regard their products as phthalate-free when in fact, after tests made by some researchers; it was found out that phthalates were still present in the products. Therefore, maintain a vigilant stance as you inquire more details via the phone or the internet. You can visit the website of the manufacturer or just call them. Additionally, you can also depend on information posted by advocacy groups. Since producers are not really required or obligated to list the contents of their products, you may take a hint on ingredients like fragrance or scent.

It is also important to note the possibility of phthalates leaching from plastic containers to a certain product; for instance, from baby bottles to formula milk. Basically, those products that are labeled as phthalate free are your best bets.

One of the scariest things on earth is to know that your child has just been bitten by a spider. Normally, we only encounter mosquito bites; that is why, on occasions, parents panic when their children are bitten by spiders.

Fortunately, most spider bites are not serious. When you think your child is bitten by one or he says he has been bitten by one, wash the affected area using soap and water. You have to thoroughly wash the affected part; aftersuch, an ice compression is encouraged in order to lessen both the redness as well as the swelling. In case your kid complains of pain, you may give him Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen and not Aspirin. The redness and the swelling will subside in a few hours to days. However, if it does not seem to subside in two days, it is best to consult your child’s doctor.

Some recorded cases of spider bites could be very fatal especially if immediate interventions are not made. For a black widow which characteristically has reddish to orange hourglass feature on its belly, your child will talk about a pinprick feeling when he is bitten by one. After several hours, he may suffer from excruciating pain together with fever, chills, nausea and abdominal pain. However, this is not always the case as most of the time, your child will complain about nothing except for the redness and swelling in the area. Brown recluse spiders are also considered dangerous. These brown spiders have a dark brown or whitish mark on their back that is shaped like a violin. After the sting is felt, the redness, swelling and pain will get severe in the next few hours. You will notice a blister at the affected site which may be followed by an ulcer. As the condition progresses, you will also observe that your child already suffers from fever, nausea and restlessness accompanied by a rash.

Any bite that indicates an infection, secondary or not should be consulted to a doctor and most especially if your kid already suffers from fever or terrible pain as an antibiotic is likely to be prescribed.

Do not wait for your child to be bitten by any sort of insect. Be proactive. As much as you can, educate your child about spiders which are only good to appreciate but not really to touch. If your child loves the outdoors, warn him beforehand about the possibility of spiders lurking in rock piles and other suitable areas for their webs. Undisturbed sections of your houses like the attic should also, as much possible, not serve as a playground of your child.

On your end, it is important to clean your house regularly. A vacuum is an equipment that could effectively kill spiders and their egg sacs compared to insecticides.

Food poisoning refers to a condition where the body suffers from a host of signs and symptoms that were caused by toxins or bad bacteria that are also considered as poisonous substances. There are instances when poisoning may be mild but there are also cases when it can be fatal.

Most cases of food poisoning are blamed to eating food or drinking water that is contaminated by various kinds of toxins. The manifestations are completely the same with that of the simpler stomach virus such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, chills, diarrhea (which may even contain fresh blood) and headache. These usually show up after a few hours to around three days after ingesting the toxins. The condition may last for a day and extended for weeks or more especially in more serious cases.

If you think your child is suffering from a bout of food poisoning, it is important to contact your healthcare provider the soonest possible time. If the doctor sees fit, a visit to the hospital or clinic means your child will have to undergo procedures such as blood urine, and stool examinations. If he suffers from dehydration, he may have to be given intravenous fluids. Also, be ready about important information that will help your doctor. These include when did the symptoms start to occur, what your child may have eaten in the past days and if anyone else in the family is sick with similar symptoms.

What follows is a quick look of the most common food-borne infections.

• Salmonella is usually seen in raw or undercooked eggs, raw milk and dairy products, seafood such as shellfish and shrimp and meat. It can be passed by the food handlers as well as other reptile pets.
• Campylobacter is present in unpasteurized milk and raw or undercooked poultry. It can also be seen in the stool of a cat or a dog.
• Escherichia coli is transmitted via both food and water containing the feces of an infected animal or person. This is where the importance of teaching our children to wash their hands after using the toilet comes in because an infected person, for example, a food handler, has the ability to spread the disease to other individuals. The strains of E. coli may prove to be life-threatening to our children especially babies.
• Clostridium botulinum is found in soil but can be transmitted in some of our foods like improperly canned, cured, or smoked foods. For this reason, experts advise against giving honey to our babies under one year old.

To temporarily alleviate the condition of your child, you should make it a point to replace the lost fluids and electrolytes by giving your child oral rehydration salts that can purchased in pharmacies. Offer your child small sips of water and in cases of fever, you may give Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen.

Finally, you can curb these problems by always reminding your child to be careful of what he eats or drinks. It is equally important to teach young children to practice handwashing before they eat and even after using the bathroom. For parents and guardians, wash and cook the food well enough making sure that proper storage is also considered.

Cuts and scrapes will almost always be a part of your life as a parent. Moreover, cuts and scrapes will have to be dealt with by your child as he grows to explore the world beyond the house he grew up in.

Inasmuch as it is difficult to imagine seeing your child bruised or cut, as parents, we must be ready in cases these situations happen. If you see your toddler or pre-schooler has a cut or scrape (abrasion), make sure that even before handling the wound, you have already washed your hands to take a good look of the injured area. Apply direct pressure using a clean towel or bandage until you are sure that the bleeding has already stopped. However, if you notice that the bleeding has not fully stopped in around ten minutes, it is safer to bring your child to the nearest hospital for further care and evaluation. Medications like a tetanus booster shot and pain relievers may be given; stitches are also a possibility.

If the bleeding has stopped, make sure to check for any debris or any other foreign matter lodged in and around the wound. These can be effectively removed by exposing the affected area under running water. If your child is able to tolerate it, you may also use soap; others make a soapy solution as this is better tolerated by a child. You may also remove the debris manually or use tweezers.

In the absence of running water, you may also use Hydrogen Peroxide or Betadine as a cleaning agent as opposed to rubbing alcohol which is understandably more painful. Unlike water though, you have to take precaution in using these agents liberally. Your purpose is just to clean the wound and not to heal it immediately. An interesting point raised is that some parents and even guardians will actually blow the area to ease the pain felt by the child. Although it is not highly recommended, most of us won’t deny the fact that when we were younger, we felt the same way, assured and stronger even if it may mean, for experts, more germs. After cleansing the area, you may wish to apply anti-bacterial ointment. Still, if the affected area is just small, Bacitracin or Polysporin is no longer necessary as your child’s immune system will be able to cover up for the said wound.

There were also instances in the past when you would rather ask your parents to put a bandage on the affected area; like the blow, you feel more secured. Otherwise, if your child tolerates it, you may want to leave the cut or scrape open, without any bandage as the spot can be healed this way without any risk. If you think that the area might bleed again, may rub against your child’s clothes or it may get dirty, you might want to use the ever-dependable adhesive bandage to make sure that the area is protected to promote healing.

Remember to always change the bandage everyday and always re-examine the wound. Check for other signs of possible infection like a foul smelling discharge, excessive swelling and tenderness. To prevent infection and to facilitate further healing, maintain good circulation of the affected area. Do not keep the area covered tightly and expose it to air once in a while.