Q:My baby seems get diaper rash and what should I do to ease her?

A:Diaper rash is a very common infection that can cause a baby's skin to become sore, red, scaly, and tender. In most cases, the rash occurs because the skin is irritated by diapers that are too tight; soiled diapers that are left on for too long; or certain brands of detergent, diapers, and baby wipes.

Diaper rash usually can be cleared up by checking your baby's diaper often, and changing it as soon as it's wet or soiled, and by using a zinc oxide cream or ointment to soothe skin and protect it from moisture. Diaper rash usually goes away within 2 to 3 days with home care. If it persists, or if sores start to appear on your baby's skin, please go to the hospital.

 

Q:When can I feed my baby honey?

A:Honey should not be fed to infants younger than 1 year old. Clostridium bacteria that cause infant botulism usually thrive in soil and dust. However, they can also contaminate certain foods — honey in particular. Infant botulism can cause muscle weakness, with signs like poor sucking, a weak cry, constipation, and an overall decreased muscle tone (floppiness).

Parents can reduce the risk of infant botulism by not introducing honey into their baby's diet until after the first birthday. As kids get older, their bodies are better able to handle the bacteria.

 

Q:Could lots of juice be to blame teeth?

A:Yes, the juice may discolor kids’ teeth. Studies have found that the sugar in fruit juice can eat away at tooth enamel, especially if kids are allowed to drink juice from bottles, cups, or boxes continuously throughout the day or at bedtime. Decay results when juice pools around a child's teeth for extended periods of time. Babies who are allowed to fall asleep with milk bottles in their mouths can experience the same thing. It's best to limit juice and other sugary beverages — and avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle.

Good dental care starts even before a child's first tooth comes in. Running a damp washcloth over a baby's gums daily will help clear away harmful bacteria. Parents can brush kids' teeth as they come in with an infant toothbrush, using water without toothpaste. A pea-sized amount of toothpaste may be used with supervision around age 2 or 3, when kids are able to spit it out. It's also a good idea for all kids to start seeing a dentist after their first birthday.

 

Q:My baby does not pass a hearing screening, so he has a hearing loss?

A:A baby who doesn't pass a hearing screening doesn't necessarily have a hearing loss. A retest to confirm the hearing loss should be done within the first 3 months of life, and if it does confirm a problem, doctors should start treatment by the time the child is 6 months old.

Even if your newborn passes the initial hearing screening, watch for signs that he or she is hearing well. Hearing milestones that should be reached in the first year of life include:
• Most newborns startle or "jump" to sudden loud noises.
• By 3 months, a baby usually recognizes a parent's voice.
• By 6 months, an infant can usually turn his or her eyes or head toward a sound.
• By 12 months, a child can usually imitate some sounds and produce a few words, such as "Mama" or "bye-bye."

A child may be at higher risk for hearing loss if he or she:
• was born prematurely
• stayed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
• was given medications that can lead to hearing loss
• had complications at birth
• had frequent ear infections had infections such as meningitis or cytomegalovirus

Kids who seem to have normal hearing should continue to have their hearing evaluated on a regular basis at checkups throughout life. Hearing tests are usually done at ages 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, and 18 years and at other times if there's a concern.

 

Q:What to do if my child’s nose is bleeding?

A:Nosebleeds is common in kids ages 3 to 10 years and often stop on their own and can be treated safely at home.
• Stay calm and reassure your child.
• With your child upright in a chair or in your lap, tilt his or her head slightly forward.
• Gently pinch the nose (just below the bony ridge) with a tissue or clean washcloth.
• Keep pressure on the nose for about 10 minutes; if you stop too soon, bleeding may start again. It may also help to apply ice wrapped in a paper towel.
• Do not have your child lean back. This may cause blood to flow down the back of the throat, which tastes bad and may cause gagging, coughing, or vomiting.
• Have your child to rest for a while after a nosebleed. Discourage nose-blowing, picking, or rubbing, and any rough play.

You should seek immediate medical care if:
• has frequent nosebleeds
• may have put something in his or her nose
• tends to bruise easily
• has heavy bleeding from minor wounds or bleeding from another place, such as the gums
• recently started taking new medicine