Parenting tips from Paediatrician

MODEL: NAZIA KHAN & PROCHETA OPHELIA

Even the seasoned parents need a little help dealing with common parenting issues. Here are some common, but great go-to guide, tips and advice about your child.
Immunisation:
• Give BCG and Hepatits B vaccine at birth. Then give other vaccines as per government schedule.
• You can also give vaccines that are not yet enrolled in government immunisation programmes, like Rota virus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, MMR etc.
Clothing:
• Always use comfortable, clean, dry clothes for your loving child.
• Use clean blanket, warm jackets during winter. You can also use room heater to keep the baby warm. If necessary, wear the little one woolen caps, gloves, socks.
• During hot weather, in summer, use soft, clean, comfortable cotton wears.
• Do not unnecessarily use extra hot clothing which can make your baby irritable.
• Try to avoid diaper. You can use cotton nappy. Promptly change nappy while it is wet.
Interaction with the child:
• Babies need love and care. Through paying with them, infants learn how to move, communicate, socialise and understand their surroundings.
• Encourage social interactions, playing outside, in park, with other children.
• Encourage them for good works. Reward and praise for good behaviour.
• Do not unnecessarily scold them. Do not spank.
• Try to take them in children's park, zoo and museum more often. Give them picture books. Do not let them watch too much television.
• Your child will copy your actions and words. Act and speak the way you want your child to act and speak.
General advice:
• Clear your baby's nose with saline water if congested or stuffed.
• Give oral rehydration saline frequently incase of diarrhea or loose stool.
• If baby vomits during feeding, lay the baby on one side. Do not force to feed immediately.
• Do not let anyone smoke in front your child or in home.
• In case of fever, give more liquid diet, plenty of water, vitamin C rich foods. Sponge your baby with luke-warm water. Always consult with your baby's doctor before giving your baby any medicines or herbs.
• In case of cold, you can sooth your child's throat with ginger tea, lemon tea, orange juice, honey etc, provided he/she is more than 6 months old.
• Try to avoid allergens if your child has allergic disease.
• Child aging more than 1 year should be dewarmed at every 6 monthly along with other family members with antihelminthic drug.
• Always take your baby to a paediatrician in case of any illness.

Prof Abid is Paediatrician at Dhaka Medical Collage (DMCH) Hospital and Dr Anima is a Postgraduate trainee.