Do's and Do Not's of Child Day Care Safety

The Do's!

1. Neatness and cleanliness is paramount with kids.
2. Clip nails carefully and regularly.
3. Promptly change dirty diapers and ensure area is thoroughly cleaned.
4. Ensure genitals are clean and dry at all times in order to avoid fungal infection.
5. Dermatitis and fungal infections can be minimized with correct care of the scalp.
6. Ensure clothing is loose and airy as tight clothes can be irritating to the skin.
7. Child's room should be well ventilated and lit. Keep clean and dust free.
8. Arrange an appropriate sized bed with a waterproof under sheet for the child.
9. Have soothing music toys near child's sleeping area.
10. The neck muscles in a young baby are weak so always support the head with your hand.
11. Breastfeeding is the great nutrition for baby,strengthens the emotional connection with mom and should be on demand. Ensure nipples are clean. Lactating takes a lot out of mom so she should eat well.
12. If not breast feeding ensure feeding bottles cleaned, sterilized and kept dry till next use.
13. Never heat drinks in microwave as liquid can be boiling in parts.
14. Some children are allergic to substances like food, milk, fibers, cosmetics etc. Try to find the material causing the allergy and look for alternatives.
15. Mosquito nets should be used regularly. Diseases like malaria, dengue, filariasis, yellow fever spread through mosquito bites. Mosquito bite can also produce skin eruptions with some allergic reactions and can disturb sound sleep.
16. A calm atmosphere should be maintained for a good sleep. Compared to adults infants need more sleep. It is said that the growth hormone secretion is activated during sleep.
17. Growth development, behavioral development, motor development, personal social development, language development etc should be noted in relation to age. However, parents need not be over anxious as slight variations are seen from individual to individual.
18. Assessment of growth by measuring height and weight is necessary.
19. In the early months of life infant may defecate after every feed. Proper toilet training should be given when the infant grows. The infant can be placed on the toilet seat by the age of ten months.
20. The toilet seat (potty seat) should be cleaned with antiseptic liquid before and after use. It should not be shared by other children.
21. If the baby shows some signs of distress like excessive crying, convulsions, fever with rigor, stiffness of neck, frequent vomiting and diarrhea, bluish discoloration of the body, difficult breathing with grunting etc pay attention and consult your doctor.
22. A first aid box should be kept in the room, which should contain sterile cotton, dressing materials, antiseptic lotion and ointment. Separate book should be maintained to note down the phone numbers of doctors, ambulance, police etc.
23. Child's medicines should be kept in seperate box. Information regarding dose and mode of administration should be noted and affixed to the box.
24. while driving keep your child in a secure, age appropriate car seat.
25. When you are going out with the baby have an identity card with your phone number and address inside his small pocket.
26. When the infant starts walking always accompany him to prevent a fall and injuries.
27. If an accident occurs take necessary first aid measures and get the victim to a nearby hospital.

The Do Not¡¯s

1. No shaking baby as it can cause brain damage.
2. Remove any small items in vicinity of child.
3. Same goes for sharp or pointed items.
4. When in the bath don't let water get into the ears.
5. If a child is coughing or crying a lot don't try to get them to eat.
6. Careful you don't overfeed.
7. Keep any dangerous or toxic substances out of child's reach.
8. Ensure child's clothing is not restrictive.
9. Care should be taken if your baby is on the bed that they do not fall off.
10. Avoid close contact with lots of people and never hand your baby to a stranger.
11. Childproof all electrical sockets and wires.
12. Kitchens are full of potential dangers. Never leave a child alone there.
13. Supervise your child the entire time they are in the tub. Keep water level low.
14. Avoid smoking inside the house.
15. Keep pets at a distance (ensure they have received all shots).
16. When the child starts walking ensure you have locked gates on stairs and never allow them to climb the steps.
17. Avoid strong light in the bedroom.
18. When you are travelling don't accept food from fellow passengers.
19. Don't allow a child to crawl in the dirt.
20. If you are sick or someone else is sick stay away from the kids.
21. Avoid areas of pollution, large crowds and hospital wards.
22. Table lamp should not be kept near the kids, this will attract insects at night and cause problems.
23. Never give medicine that has been prescribed for someone else to your child.
24. Medicine which has passed the expiry date should not be used.

Fiona Lohrenz has 10 years experience running a day care and has launched a child care website directed at providers and parents. She has also produced a 'Start a Day Care Business' DVD guide: www.startchildcare.com

Fiona can be reached at her website: http://www.childcareonly.com