BaiBoo » Hygiene

I have heard that I’m not to take baths because germs could get into my vagina and be passed to the baby. Is this true

Administrator — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:59:10 +0000

This is false. Baths are very good for pregnant women. The problem is more the temperature than the actual bath. Be sure that you avoid the use of hot tubs and hot baths (above 37°C). These can cause your body temperature to rise, and this can cause problems for a developing baby, particularly in the first trimester. Baths are a great source of relaxation and also work well for the aches and pains of pregnancy. Your baby is not in danger of getting germs from bathing. The baby is protected by the amniotic sac and the mucous plug. Water doesn’t really enter the vagina during bathing anyway.

Should I wash my nipples each time before I feed my baby?

Administrator — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:41:21 +0000

No! Formula feeding requires careful attention to cleanliness because formula not only does not protect the baby against infection, but also is actually a good breeding ground for bacteria and can also be easily contaminated. On the other hand, breast milk protects the baby against infection. Washing nipples before each feeding makes breastfeeding unnecessarily complicated and washes away protective oils from the nipple.

How do I remove ink from markers and felt tip pens from my table?

Administrator — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:40:49 +0000

Hairspray or shaving cream can remove marker and other stains from your tables.

How do I remove ink from markers and felt tip pens from my baby’s skin?

Administrator — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:40:13 +0000

1. Soak a cotton ball in baby oil or baby lotion and rub until marker is gone. Use a q-tip or old toothbrush to get underneath fingernails.

2. Rub a small amount of vaseline on marks, then wash the area with warm soap and water.

3. Spread some shaving cream on a table, tray or high chair and let your child play with the shaving cream until the marks are gone.

4. Spray some hairspray into your hands and rub gently over markered areas, carefully avoiding eyes.

Can I wash my baby’s clothes together with the rest of the laundry?

Administrator — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:39:43 +0000

Since family members’ clothes-especially underwear-may contain contaminants that could wind up on your baby’s sensitive skin, it’s best to do her laundry separately. It’s also smart to occasionally run an empty cycle of bleach and hot water to kill bacteria that may be lurking in the machine.

I am very particular about germs; especially when it comes to our baby. Am I paranoid being too focused on hygiene?

Administrator — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:39:06 +0000

Most new moms and dads are paranoid about germs. And rightly so: Babies-especially newborns-have yet to build up their immunity to the viruses and bacteria that can cause illness. Still, it’s impossible to shield your child from all the bugs out there-and you’d drive yourself nuts trying. Parents should use common sense: Keep the house clean, keep their baby away from anyone who is obviously sick, and stay up-to-date on immunizations

Am I being paranoid because I ask my family and friends to wash their hands before they hold my newborn? Can’t they pass on germs easily to such a small child?

Administrator — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:38:26 +0000

They definitely can. Most illnesses are passed to babies via the hands. Newborns are particularly vulnerable to viruses and bacteria, since they don’t start developing their own immunity until the age of about 6 weeks. Until then, they are totally dependent on the immunity their mothers give them during pregnancy and from breast milk. Before you let a guest (or another of your own children) hold the baby, ask her to wash her hands with soap and water. If she touches her eyes, nose, or mouth or uses the toilet, she should wash her hands again before she picks up your baby. (Obviously, adults or kids who are sick with a cold or the flu shouldn’t visit.) And don’t feel as if you’re being paranoid because you ask your guests to wash up. After all, it took nine months to produce this little miracle. Your friends and family can take a few moments to protect your baby from infection.

My child has head lice, what should I do?

Administrator — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:27:56 +0000

Wash the hair and then carefully comb the entire head. Don’t spend a lot of time looking for lice or nits on the head as you comb, just comb, comb comb and keep on combing. Keep combing every day for at least a week after you stop seeing lice and nits. Check all other family members (adults and kids) for lice and nits as well.

Should I wash my nipples each time before I feed my baby?

Administrator — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:26:34 +0000

How do I remove ink from markers and felt tip pens from my table?

Administrator — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:25:37 +0000

Hairspray or shaving cream can remove marker and other stains from your tables.