The doctor has listed common questions parents of newborns bring her to the office. Check out the answers!
The child has returned home. And now? This question surrounds the thoughts of many parents, especially those who are inexperienced in general newborn care. Questions such as: “how do you change the diaper?”, “do you use ointment or not?”, “do you use alcohol in the navel or not?” are some examples of common questions in consultations with the pediatrician. Today I will answer some of them based, above all, on the recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP).
How do I change the diaper?
The use of disposable or cloth diapers is at the discretion of the parents, based on what they feel is best individually and collectively. The most important thing is that the diaper area is checked frequently and the area is gently cleaned – preferably with damp cotton.
If there is a lot of feces, you may choose to use liquid baby soap for more effective cleaning. As for wet wipes, it is advisable to use them when going out quickly, as they are more practical. Choose those with as few preservatives as possible and without substances that cause irritation to the baby’s soft skin, i.e. free from alcohol, essential oils, perfumes, soaps, etc. Afterwards it is important to dry the region.
Do you use or not use the ointment?
Preventive ointments for diaper rash help keep the skin intact, free of inflammation. The most commonly used are those that contain zinc oxide in their composition. Its use is important at every diaper change – but, in the absence of faeces, one should not worry about removing it completely, in order not to rub the skin too much, causing unnecessary injuries.
To rub alcohol in the navel or not?
This is a question that should be individualized for each patient. The answer will depend on the conditions in which the child is placed. If it was a child born in a hospital environment, with all the care given to the umbilical stump, the recommendation is to keep it clean and dry, without having to apply anything to it. If, on the other hand, the child was born in an environment outside the hospital, in places with a greater risk of contamination or with a high neonatal mortality rate, an antiseptic should be used, on the advice of the pediatrician in consultation.
Sunbathing to improve jaundice: yes or no?
At the moment, the indication is that children under 6 months do not have this direct exposure to the sun. Their skin is very thin and delicate, increasing the risk of burns and skin cancer. In addition, the treatment to control jaundice is done with phototherapy and not with sun exposure, which is very harmful to children’s skin. It’s important to remember that vitamin D guidance should be started in the first week of life, so you don’t need to be exposed to the sun because of it.
How to cut the nail of such a young child?
This situation causes distress in many parents! Fingernails should always be supervised so that children do not scratch themselves and get caught in clothing. The ideal is to take advantage of the moment of sleep, given that the child generally moves less. Make a clean cut and use sandpaper if necessary.
These are some of the most frequently asked questions from parents of newborns, but it is clear that many more questions arise over time. Therefore, it is essential to have a pediatrician who guides the first care and everything related to the child.
Alessandra Dry (@alessandraseccoped) is a general pediatrician, residing at Rede D’Or São Luiz. She has always been passionate about pediatrics, she values the quality of care and listens carefully to the families of her patients. She works in the follow-up of children of all ages in the offices of Rio de Janeiro (RJ) and São José dos Campos (SP).
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
