Just about all of us have had them, the dreaded chicken pox.  Although for the majority of us that was years ago so when our kids get them, we’re not quite sure what to do.  So here are some tips for you on what to do if you child has the chicken pox (or if you think they do).

Chicken pox is a common affliction that affects people of all ages but is most commonly seen in children.  The symptoms of chicken pox are red bumps on the body that turn into blisters and that increase in quantity over several days.  The bumps may look like insect bites or a rash and is often difficult to diagnose the first few days.  Often, it is accompanied by a fever.  Watch the bumps to see if they turn into blisters and if more bumps emerge over a few days.  If so, it is likely chicken pox.

Most cases of chicken pox do not even need a consultation with a physician and are easily treatable.  However there are times when consulting a doctor is advisable.  If after three days you are still unsure of the diagnosis, consult a doctor.  If the child is an infant, take the little one to the doctor.  If your child’s bumps seem infected or are located on eyelids, it is best to get it checked.  Also, if your child seems unusually ill, has severe headaches, a high fever that lasts more than five days, or if the child develops other cold like symptoms such as a cough a doctor’s opinion should be sought.

Basically, when in doubt, take the little fella to the doctor.

Chicken pox is highly contagious and the child should be quarantined for the duration.  Do not allow the child to interact with peers at school or with friends.  Once the child starts getting spots, it will take approximately seven days until he or she is no longer contagious.  The day after all the spots have scabbed, the child will no longer be contagious and can resume normal activity.

The accompanying fever should only be treated if it is above 101° F.  Studies indicate a slight fever will help the child heal.  Motrin, Advil or Tylenol can be used to treat the fever.  Use only acetaminophen and ibuprofen products for fever but do not use aspirin.  A child can have a severe reaction to aspirin during this time so it is important not to use it.

The child should try not to scratch the bumps because it may cause infection.  Take greater care to keep the fingernails short and clean during this time.  Frequent baths will help soothe the itching.  Adding oatmeal to the bath will also help.  Brands such as Aveeno are ideal for this.  Benadryl or other off-brand topical antihistamines can be used as needed and greatly reduce the itching.  These are readily available over-the-counter at any pharmacy.

Children who have chicken pox and who have a slight fever but otherwise seem well typically do not need to see a doctor.  Ensure they stay isolated until the ailment passes and they are no longer contagious.  See a doctor if unusual symptoms occur or if the child seems very ill.  Chicken pox is a common ailment, easily treated, and quickly recovered from.  Most people only get one case of chicken pox in a lifetime.

But, it doesn’t take long for mom and dad to discover that the newborn baby has a mind of his own and will make his presence felt in a hundred and one ways – not all of them amusing. As most parents will tell you, it’s all a matter of practice and patience.

Feeding your baby: The first of the many tough decisions you have to make is whether to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby. Research suggests that breast milk is the best food for a young baby. Always remember to burp your baby gently after a feeding. While feeding from the bottle, make sure your baby is not taking in air bubbles. When your baby is ready to accept semi-solids and solids, introduce one food at a time. Allow him some time to get used to each food. Give him lots of fresh juice and water. Avoid store-bought articles that are high in starch and sugar.

Diapering: This is the next major decision you have to make. Cloth, disposables or diaper service – which will it be? Each has its own pros and cons. Parents usually make a decision based on time, convenience, environmental concerns and financial considerations.

The sanest advice I’ve received is to avoid a puritanical fascination for any one type. Use a combination – probably cotton diapers for home, and disposables while traveling.

Bathing and Grooming: If your baby makes his bath look like the closing scene from a battleground, use baby baths to secure him and lots of toys to distract him. Never leave you baby unattended near water. After your baby’s bath, bundle him up in a nice fluffy towel and dry him thoroughly. Make sure the umbilical area is dry and that the eyes, ears and nose are clean. You may need to clean these with a wet washcloth, but never insert buds into them. Trim your baby’s nails just after a bath. Applying moisturizer or baby powder is a matter of personal choice.

Sleeping: Put your baby to sleep on his back. Your baby is bound to steal a lot of your sleep. During the first year of his life, he will wake up a number of times at night. Many parents try different techniques from co-sleeping to a no-hands approach. Choose whatever works for you.

Common health problems include colic, diaper rash, cradle cap and skin rash. Many of these problems need just a little extra care and patience. If your baby is in pain, take him to your doctor. Remember to record his inoculations and keep a height-weight chart to evaluate your baby’s progress.

Traveling: Pack all the items you need along with plenty of extra clothes and diapers. Place your baby in a safe and secure car seat. Go easy on feeding while you travel. Avoid crowds during the first few months.

Safety and comfort are two of the most important things to keep in mind when you handle your baby. It is a good idea to have a fairly regular schedule for bathing, feeding, playing and sleeping.

Your baby will always respond to a warm, loving environment. Hold your baby, cuddle him and respond to his cries. It is impossible to ‘spoil’ a little baby. Let your love overflow. Most of all enjoy early parenthood – kids grow up very fast.

From treating cradle cap and cleaning earwax to trimming nails and hair, there are a whole lot of things that take on a new dimension when you have to do it to a tiny human being.

How often should you bathe your baby?

A young infant is mostly on his back all day and does little more than drinking milk and pooping. As such, he does not need to be bathed more than three times a week. Keep your baby’s face and diaper area totally clean, ALWAYS. The rest of the body does not really get dirty.

Once the baby starts getting about on all fours, you will have to keep his hands and legs clean, which means a bath every other day. By the age of one, toddlers start getting really messy. A daily bath is now in order. If you live in a warm place, you can go ahead and give your baby a cool bath everyday. But in cold places, too much washing with soap and water can dry out the skin.

What are the common skin problems that little babies develop?

Baby acne: They are little pimples that appear on the baby’s face a few days after birth, and usually go away without any treatment. These may recur a few times throughout the first few months and do not need a specific treatment. Some babies develop eczema, especially if it runs in the family. In that case, a natural, light, all-purpose moisturizer keeps skin soft and supple.

Cradle cap: This is an accumulation of dead skin on the scalp, especially on the crown. To remove this, apply mild baby oil and massage the head lightly. Comb your baby’s hair gently to get the flakes out. Then wash his head with a mild shampoo. Bathing your baby’s head regularly helps keep this condition under control. Babies usually outgrow this after the first few months.

Diaper rash: Diaper rash is most commonly caused by yeast infection or irritated skin. Change your baby’s diaper frequently to avoid skin irritation. Once an irritation becomes apparent, stop using wipes. Switch over to water and cotton. Leave your baby’s tushie open to the air. Never use powder when the skin looks red. This compounds the problem. Consult your doctor if the problem worsens.

What are the other aspects of grooming?

Ear and nose care: Sticking a cotton swab into a baby’s ear or nose is absolutely taboo.

Clean the outer ear with a slightly wet washcloth. Wax will come out of its own accord.

You need clean only the wax that may get collected in the outer ear cavity. Mucus can be cleaned with the end of a wet washcloth. If the nose is uncomfortably stuffed due to a cold, contact your doctor.

Mouth care: A young baby drinks milk many times a day, and as such is prone to infections of the mouth. Using a wet cloth, you can wipe his gums and tongue gently after each feeding. As teeth begin to appear, you can start with a baby tooth brush.

Finger nails: A baby’s fingernails are very thin but exceedingly sharp. He can scratch himself in the ears or other sensitive areas if the nails are not trimmed. Use a pair of blunt-tipped fingernail scissors when your baby is sleeping. His nails are soft just after a bath. Do not cut too close and NEVER use nail clippers. Even with a lot of care, parents may clip off the tip of the finger while using clippers.

A baby weighing below 20 lbs. needs an infant car seat. Some parents keep the cost in mind and buy infant-toddler car seats. Because it is a convertible car seat, you can use an infant-toddler seat until your baby becomes a toddler. But where it scores in longevity, it loses out on safety.

It is much safer to use the infant car seat for young infants. Infant car seats are contoured to hold newborns securely and offer them good support in all the right places. The infant car seat is more convenient for you too, as it is more portable.

The lightweight seat can become an infant carrier, rocker or feeding chair. So, you don’t have to wake your sleeping infant when you take him out of the car. With an infant-toddler car seat, you have to unbuckle the child and transfer him to a carrier or stroller while taking him out.

Proper installation is the prime concern with a car seat. It is not enough to buckle your baby in tightly. Look for a seat with a base that can be permanently installed in the car. Then all you have to do is to fit the seat securely into the base, instead of refitting it after each use. Your infant seat should have adequate restraints.

The five-point safety harness – one for each shoulder and thigh, and one that goes between the legs – is ideal for a young baby. Avoid seats that have belt adjustments from the back.

Washability is another desirable aspect. A well-padded seat with plenty of head support will make the ride a joyful one for your baby.

Infant toddler seats are used for infants between 20 and 40 lbs. Newer and better models of the infant-toddler seats have a tether strap attached to the top of the seat. This tether increases stability by restraining head movement in the event of an accident.

Babies under one year should ride in the back, facing the rear. When your baby reaches the one-year mark and weighs above 20 lbs. he is ready to face the world up-front! But experts say that it is safe to allow your child to face the rear for as long as possible.

Important safety rules:

ALWAYS use a safety seat in the car.

Placing a child sitting in a rear-facing safety seat in the front seat that has a passenger air bag may seem safe enough. But this is dangerous for the baby. The rear is the safest place for children, PERIOD.

Each car safety seat has its own features and instructions. Read these carefully before using.

Convertible seats need some adjustments before they can be used as forward-facing seats:

Move the shoulder straps to the required slots. Check your detailed instructions to be sure. If the seat is in a reclined position, move this to an upright position. Finally, the seat belt should run through the forward-facing belt path.

In case of preemie babies, the car safety seat should be used without a safety harness. A very small baby may hit his face against the shield. The reclined position of their seats should not cause low oxygen or breathing problems in a premature baby.

Safety and comfort are the two main criteria when you select the appropriate car safety seat. Cost should NEVER be the deciding factor.