My Blog
Posts for: September, 2016
One very common question nearly all new moms ask is: "What type of diaper brand is best?" Unfortunately, there is no one good answer to this question. All babies are shaped slightly differently, and therefore, different diapers will work better for some babies than for others. A diaper that one mom swears by may be completely ineffective for another mom.
Thankfully, this doesn't mean that you have to choose blindly! Here are a few factors you might consider when purchasing diapers.
1. Cost
Diapers can vary widely in terms of cost. Don't assume that a more expensive diaper is automatically higher quality. If money is tight, start with less expensive diapers first and switch if they don't work.
2. Durability
If you consistently have problems with the tabs breaking off or the diapers leaking, switch brands.
3. Softness
While you usually can't tell how soft a diaper is until you open the package, if you buy some that feel like cardboard, you might want to try a different brand next time.
4. Shape
Boys and girls wet in different places in a diaper, as do crawlers and runners. Unfortunately, this means you may have to switch things up as baby grows.
5. Wetness Indicator
For new moms and dads just getting the hang of things, newborn diapers with wetness indicators can be a real lifesaver. These usually aren't necessary as baby grows, however.
6. Extra Protection
Is your baby a heavy wetter? You might want to invest in overnight diapers or diapers that are made to last several hours.
Unfortunately, choosing the right brand of diapers is usually best achieved by old fashioned trial and error. Thankfully, this trial and error can be kind of fun! Choose a diaper brand, and if it doesn't work well, choose a different one next time. You'll never know what works best for your baby until you try a few kinds and find one you love.
Whether you have boys or girls, the occasional playground scrape is pretty much unavoidable. Kids who run and play are bound to fall and get hurt on occasion. In light of this, it is in everyone's best interest if you learn how to deal with playground cuts and scrapes before your child gets one. Here's what you need to do.
1. Rinse the Area
Anytime your child opens his or her skin, dirt and bacteria is able to get inside. Gently clean the area by rinsing it under cool water. This will help flush any germs out.
2. Stop the Bleeding
If the scrape is bleeding very badly, hold a clean cloth or bandage against the scrape until the bleeding slows and stops.
3. Check for Debris
Once you are able to look at the scrape, do a quick check to make sure that nothing is stuck in it, such as a glass fragment, pebble or splinter. If you see anything, use running water or tweezers to remove the debris.
4. Apply an Antibiotic
If the scrape is very deep, you may want to apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin, to the area to help discourage infection and encourage healing.
5. Bandage the Area
Once the area is cleaned and treated, apply a clean bandage that is large enough to cover area. If it is still bleeding heavily, you may want to use a piece of gauze as well.
6. Change the Bandage Regularly
Hopefully, the scrape will heal quickly, making the bandage unnecessary. If the area is still bleeding or if you need to protect the area from dirt and germs, however, replace the bandage regularly. If the area is beginning to heal and won't be at risk for infection, you may choose instead to leave the bandage off for a while. The access to oxygen will help the scrape heal faster.
Scrapes can be painful and frightening for children, but thankfully they are easy to treat. Use these six steps - along with a kiss! - and your child will feel better in no time!