Keep your baby safe at night…

cats: Newborndate: October 3rd, 2011Author: loriellis

You probably have heard of SIDS by now…It stands for “Sudden Infant Death Syndrome” and is a parent’s worst nightmare.  You put your baby to sleep only to find him/her dead in the morning.  Thankfully, a lot of research has gone into the causes of SIDS and it is no longer a mystery.  It turns out that the majority of cases are actually caused by unsafe sleeping practices.  Which means, there are easy solutions to help prevent this.

Based on these research findings, the American Academy of Pediatrics instituted the “Back to Sleep” campaign in the 1990s in an effort to decrease the rate of SIDS…and it WORKED!!  Data from 2007 showed that 70% of babies now sleep on their backs (compared to 10% in 1990) and the rate of SIDS has been reduced by 50%.

Here are some suggestions to create a safe sleep environment for your baby:

1. The safest position to sleep is on the back.   There is a risk of rolling onto their stomachs if sleeping on the side and wedges or props to keep your baby on the side can pose a suffocation risk.  Therefore, sleeping on the back is by far the safest.

2. Your baby should always sleep in his empty crib or bassinet…whether he is taking a nap or going to sleep for the night.  Avoid having your baby sleep on adult beds, couches or pillows.

3. A firm mattress with a tightly fitted sheet is the safest.  Avoid bumpers, toys, fluffy blankets, comforters or pillows in the crib.  If they cover your baby’s face, he could have trouble breathing.

4. Make sure your baby’s head remains uncovered when he sleeps.

5. Do not over-bundle your baby in the crib.  One simple light blanket, covering your baby up to the chest (leaving the head free), tucked into the edges of the crib is the way to go.  Or, consider using a sleeper or clothing instead of a blanket

6. Keep your baby’s crib in the room with you, in a smoke free environment.  Not only does it allow you to better hear your baby, but when he wakes up to feed it is convenient and allows for better bonding.

7. While it is tempting, avoid co-sleeping.  There have been many cases where parents accidentally roll over their baby and suffocate them.

Common Questions:

Will my baby choke sleeping on the back?   No.  If your child spits up while he sleeps, he will cough it up or swallow it.  Lying on your back does not increase risk of choking.

Will my baby’s head be flat if he always sleeps on his back?  That is a great question!  This is why “tummy time” is SO important!  When your baby is awake, have him play on his tummy.  This will help him grow strong and crawl when he is ready, in addition to helping keep his head round.  Also, encourage your baby to alternate which side of his head he sleeps on to avoid “molding” (flattening of areas of the head) caused by preference for a particular head position.

For more information visit: http://www.healthychildcare.org/pdf/SIDSparentsafesleep.pdf

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Protect your child (and yourself) from the sun

cats: Dermatologydate: July 20th, 2011Author: loriellis

Now that you are finally getting to enjoy the sunshine, it is time to get out the sunscreen and sun hats!

No time like the present to develop a healthy lifestyle and save your child’s (and your) future skin.  Protecting your child’s skin from the sun will not only lead to less sunburns, but will lead to fewer wrinkles in adulthood and help prevent skin cancer.

The link between sun exposure and skin cancer is clear.  But did you know that early childhood sun exposure poses the greatest risk?  This is because children’s skin is particularly sensitive to the skin.  In particular, children less than 3 years have maturing skin that is thinner and more sensitive to ultra-violet radiation than adults.

Here are some useful tips to help protect your child’s skin and prevent skin cancer:

1. Wear protective clothing.  We now have clothing that can block UV rays!  Look for the “Ultraviolet Protection Factor” or UPF rating on clothing.  A UPF of 40-50 is the highest possible and blocks 98% of UV rays from passing through the fabric.  The tighter the weave in a shirt, the more sun protection it offers.

2. Wear hats with large brims.  There are GREAT hats out there that are stylish and fun for kids.  If your child sees you wearing them, they will be more likely to keep theirs on.  Make it a part of the routine whenever your child is outside in the sun…even if just for a quick walk or trip to the playground.  Check it out: Sunday Afternoon Hats

3. Apply sunscreen BEFORE exposure to the sun.  I suggest applying prior to leaving the house rather than waiting until you arrive at the beach. My favorite sunscreen is Blue Lizard sensitive skin.  It provides a great physical blocker, made with a unique micronized Zinc Oxide that allows the protectant to form an even barrier against UV rays.  Plus it’s super water resistant!

4. Avoid the peak intensity mid-day sun.  This is when the sun is most directly overhead and can cause the most skin damage in the least amount of time.

5. Find that shady spot!

What about the baby? Because of infant’s thinner skin and increased absorption of creams, it is not recommended to apply sunscreen to children less than 6 months of age.  Utilize your other sun protection tools – shade, avoid peak exposure, protective clothing and hats.  However, if you cannot avoid sun exposure, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests applying sunscreen to  small areas uncovered by clothing.  I recommend this product: Neutrogenia Pure and Free Baby

Remember, as the parent YOU set the example. If you make sun safety a priority for yourself, your children will follow your lead.  So remember, wear sunscreen, sun protective clothing and hats, avoid the peak intensity hours and seek out the shade!

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Bullying

cats: Developmentdate: April 18th, 2011Author: loriellis

Watch the You Tube video that is bringing this issue to light: “Words are worse than Stones” by Alye, an 8th grader who is pleading for an end to bullying by sharing her story.

Alye on You Tube

Common misconceptions:

1. Bullying is harmless:  There is a lot of research on bullying clearly showing the psychological impact of bullying.  It is most certainly NOT harmless.   Bullying is related to poor school performance, depression, anxiety, drug use later in life…in BOTH the bully and the victim.

2. Your child will grow out of it: Children who are bullied at an early age are more likely to be bullied throughout their life.  The same goes for bullies.  Bullies as children tend to develop into adult bullies – unable to keep a job, have problems with the law and relationships.

3. Bullying only occurs in schools: Bullying can happen ANYWHERE – at school, the playground, community centers, the mall.  Be on the lookout.  The more you can observe your children’s interactions with others the better.  Children who are bullied are often ashamed and not likely to bring the problem to your attention.

What can you do??

- Start by talking about it.  Bring up bullying to your children and make an open environment where they will feel comfortable discussing it with you.

- Be an advocate for your child.  If you discover that your child is being bullied or bullying others – act NOW.  Talk to their teachers, guidance counselors, pediatrician and mental health specialists to intervene.  This requires a multi-disciplinary team approach

Interventions focus on improving peer relations:

  • Bullies: stop aggressive behavior, learn empathy, reduce peer reinforcement
  • Victims: develop strategies to be assertive, improve friendship skills and provide opportunities to make friends
  • Families: model healthy relationships

Here is a great resource for children and families for other great tips:  www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov

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