Some advice for new parents on caring for young children from a family pediatrician. Constipation in children The word constipation refers to hard, dry «stools» that are difficult to pass. If parents suspect that the child is constipated because he did not go to the pot for a couple of days, do not panic. Some children, as well as adults, defecate regularly once or twice a day, while others a little less often and are completely healthy. It is possible to make «stool» regular if there are urges, otherwise making the child defecate regularly can lead to emotional trauma. If a child is breastfed, then you should not expect him to defecate daily, this is not always the case. Breastfed babies are more likely than formula-fed babies to have rare stools for several months. When the child begins to receive solid food, stools may also be delayed. It looks like the gut is just deciding what to do with a new kind of food. If you offer him sweetened water (3 teaspoons of sugar per glass of water) or juice, then problems can be avoided. If the problem continues for a week, you should consult a doctor. Bathing a child A child is bathed in a plastic bath (it is better to use a bath with wide edges so that you can put your hands, soap, toys on them), an enameled basin or washbasin is also a suitable bathing tool, you can sit next to it on a chair. If you have a bath without a sponge mat at the bottom, the baby may slip and choke on water. Therefore, at the bottom of the bath you need to put a diaper. After each bathing, the diaper needs to be washed, thoroughly dried, and ironed with a hot iron or steam cleaner in order to avoid the appearance of pathogenic bacteria. The thermometer for water can give confidence in inexperienced parents, parents with experience check the temperature of the water or a armored fossa or wrist. These places in an adult are most sensitive. Eyes can be washed with cotton balls. Only soft soap is suitable for bathing. Deodorized soap or shampoo can cause irritation or rash. Safe driving a bicycle with a child before learning to carry a child on a bicycle, practice, carries some kind of cargo so that you are used to holding your balance. When choosing a seat for a child, it is important to take into account how his head will be protected, as well as straps mounting over his shoulder, do not use a backpack for transporting a child. Do not transport a child for less than one year or a child who weighs more than 20 kilograms. The child’s helmet and your helmet should be fastened before putting the child in a chair on the trunk. Use the helmet according to age. If you have a habit of riding without a helmet, be sure they will imitate you and will not be able to protect themselves. Do not leave your child unattended on the bike rack as they are not designed to stand loaded. Many injuries are caused by falling bicycles. Use safe bike paths. Walk after dark.
