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Archive for the ‘Babies’ Category

by Rachel Paxton

So your baby was exposed to chicken pox? Unfortunately all you can do is wait it out and see what happens. Children get vaccinated for the chicken pox when they are 12 months old, so babies 12 months and under are very vulnerable to getting the chicken pox.

You may or may not know that shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. If you come into contact with an adult who has shingles, your baby is at risk for getting chicken pox.

To be exposed to chicken pox, your baby had to have come into contact with an actual sore or lesion of someone who has the chicken pox or shingles. This may be hard to determine, but it is passed by physical contact.

If you think your baby has been exposed to the chicken pox or shingles, call your pediatrician’s office and see what they recommend. I was told that it takes 14-21 days for the virus to show symptoms, so that is how long you have to wait to see if your baby has the chicken pox. After that time if your baby gets a fever and small red bumps, then he or she probably has the chicken pox. The nurse told me that the fever comes first, and then the bumps. Your child is contagious as soon as he or she contracts a fever. This is when they should not be exposed to other children until the virus runs its course.

Just because your baby has been exposed does not mean he or she will get the virus. Just keep a close eye on your baby for the next couple of weeks. Make sure your baby gets the chicken pox immunization when he or she is 12 months old. If you have nursed your baby, your baby is less likely to contract chicken pox because when you nurse your baby, he or she receives your immunities (if you have already had the chicken pox). If your baby does get the chicken pox, don’t fret. Hopefully it will be a light case and pass quickly!

by Russell Cope

Cutting your baby’s fingernails can be challenging in many ways. However, trimmed nails reduces the accidental scratchings to their delicate skin. Here are 5 steps to trimming tiny nails.

1. Clip after bath time. Nails are softer right after a baby has soaked in a tub. Cut them after you have dried them off or better yet, let them fall asleep before doing any trimming.

2. Get a helper. This is a good time to include a brother or sister. Have them hold or perhaps distract the baby by making faces, sounds or any kind of animation. This can be a great bonding time for all.

3. Bring on the lights. A well lit room will ensure no cutting of tiny fingers or toes. Make sure to hold them gently but firmly so they don’t pull away during cutting.

4. Use clippers designed for babies. Baby clippers are inexpensive and make the trimming easier and safer for all involved. If you clip some skin apply pressure if there is blood with a tissue. Don’t use a band aid for they are a choking hazard.

5. File those nails. If you want to just do some filing of nails use an emery board. This is safer and less stressful at times.

Remember to be patient and enjoy every moment with your baby. Trimming nails may seem just another task but it’s these little moments that you can’t get back. Turn around and they are in grade school, high school, college and then children of their own. Cherish each moment with these amazing creations.

Babies are new and exciting additions to a family. The newest addition to the Apple family is the Apple iPad Tablet. Check out more information at my website AppleiPadTablet.org.

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