Slippery when Wet: Newborn Bath Safety and Skin Care

Bathing and caring for a newborns skin can be intimidating for new parents. A daily bath is not necessary for the first year; experts recommend 3x week so as not to dry out their delicate skin. When it’s not a bath day, it’s fine to wipe the baby’s face and body with a soft damp washcloth.  Plain water is optimal but if you use a product, stick with ones made especially for babies with no dyes or perfumes and one that’s PH balanced, rinsing thoroughly when done.

Get your bathing area ready and all your items needed handy. Make sure there are no electric appliances anywhere near the tub.  Use only 2 to 4 inches of water and never leave an infant alone, even for a second.

It’s a good idea to immerse the baby completely in the water except for the neck and head to allow them to retain their heat during their bath.  Always support the baby the entire time during the bath and test the water on the inside of your wrists for temperature beforehand. It’s a good idea to set your water heater to 120 degrees or below to avoid scalding trouble.

Change diapers every 2 to 4 hours or when soiled and try to use plain water here too. If wipes are your only option, choose PH balanced hypo-allergenic wipes without lanolin or alcohol.

Babies also can get rashes and eczema and cradle cap. Use zinc-oxide for diaper rash as a barrier between the skin and acidic stool and urine. For the eczema, depending on the severity, a topical cream may do the trick. Cradle cap may be treated by brushing the scales with a soft-bristled brush while bathing and shampooing with a mild shampoo, then rinse. For any skin condition that persists, see your pediatrician.

Bath time is a special bonding time for you and your baby. Keep it fun and safe by following these important tips.

For information on these topics and more visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website at http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/bathing-skin-care/Pages/default.aspx  

Public diaper changes – That table’s for glasses, not asses!

First, we argue about the mother’s right to breastfeed in public and now, the right to change a diaper anywhere we wish, including a restaurant tabletop? Really?!

There have been numerous news stories about moms being asked to leave restaurants and even one where cops were called to an eatery in New Jersey because a woman decided to change her baby at the table stating there was no changing table in the restroom.

While most people realize, and common sense should tell you, that changing a diaper in a restaurant seating area is beyond disgusting, there are still some who don’t care what most people think. Some people won’t even use the changing table offered in a public bathroom saying it’s dirty. There are people who won’t lay their child on a changing pad on the floor of the bathroom saying it’s filthy, but have no problem contaminating your eating surfaces.

The sense of entitlement is dumbfounding! Talk about unsanitary and offensive. People have to EAT there!

Changing a diaper in a public area of any sort, most especially in a restaurant dining area, whether on the table or in the seats, is unacceptable! This is why we have federal health regulations in public establishments. You have blankets and changing pads, use them, in the bathroom or on the tailgate or seat of your car, in the stroller….they wash. What happened to common courtesy for other people? I know it’s difficult sometimes to find a convenient, clean place to change a diaper but you cannot contaminate public areas and put others at a health risk. There is always an alternative to having to change a diaper at a table.

Lysol®, Purell®, gas mask…anyone?

Real men have diaper parties

Modern men no longer sit by the wayside and casually watch as the women plan and execute baby showers for their children-to-be. But they don’t have to bake cupcakes and string crepe paper either. They can celebrate the upcoming milestone of fatherhood in their own way….with alcohol, food, sports and bad jokes! Congratulations to go around.

The idea is for the guests to bring boxes of diapers in lieu of gifts; no wrapping paper, no games, no registry, no hassle. It’s a perfect way for guys to support their friend transitioning to a new part of his life.

So fire up the grill and chill the beer but don’t forget to remind the guys to bring different sizes. Babies have a tendency to grow.