For common infant and toddler ailments, we have gathered a list of those we typically have seen and received calls on. Even though these were comprised for parents and guardians to use as a guide, please be sure to follow your instincts and call or make an appointment when necessary.
Medicines to keep on hand:
- Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen - to relive pain or fever
- Emetrol - to stop vomiting
- Neosporin - to prevent infection in cuts or scrapes
Related Information:
Antibiotics may not always be given when you visit the doctor for a sick child visit. Antibiotics do not work for colds, most coughs, sore throats (expect those caused by bacteria), the flu or bronchitis. Antibiotics do not fight viruses - they fight germs called bacteria.
If your pediatrician gives your children antibiotics, they may have an illness caused by bacteria. Take all of the medicine as directed unless told otherwise. Don't stop after a few days of treatment when the child appears to be better. Call if a rash starts, especially an itchy rash. After starting antibiotics by shot or mouth, we anticipate a 2-3 day lag period before the patient starts to improve. If the patient fails to improve or worsens, please call the pediatrician. Many infections are caused by viruses that do not respond to antibiotics.
Allergy, Asthma & Respiratory
Colds, Runny Nose or Hay Fever: Nasal saline, bulb suction, and elevating the head of the bed are now the recommended treatment for infants. Call if the problem gets worse or persists beyond 7 days with improving.
Rash and Itch: Sponge with a solution of 1 tsp. baking soda to a quart of water or tub bathe with 3-4 tbsp. of baking soda. Repeat 1-3 times a day.
Stuffy Nose: This is best treated with salt water nose drops. Take 1/4 tsp salt in 4 oz of water. Put 2.3 drops into each nostril when necessary - no limit to frequency. You may aspirate with bulb syringe 1/2 hour later. All infants under 8 weeks have increased nasal mucous and this should cause no problem.
Sprains: Treat all sprains with ice for the first 24-48 hours. Never put heat on initially, since this is likely to increase swelling. Stay off of any injured extremities. Teenage athletes, take notice!
Bowel & Digestive Conditions
Constipation: For infants, the addition of 1-3 teaspoons of Kayro syrup (dark) to a days feeding will usually relieve the problem. For a child on solids, the solution is manipulation of the diet to increase the fiber component and introduction of lubricants such as prune juice.
Cow Milk Intolerance: An occasional problem in early infancy that may present as diarrhea, vomiting, irritability, cough, or skin rash. The treatment is to avoid the milk and in most cases we substitute a soy formula.
Diarrhea and Vomiting: The first treatment is to put the bowels to rest. Clear liquids (no milk) for 6-24 hours (for infants under 9 months, use Pedialyte), followed in the case of infants by the A.B.C. diet and in older children by a bland diet (no grease or spice).
A = Applesauce
B = Bananas and banana flakes
C = Rice Cereal (baby rice, Rice Krispies or Puffed Rice)
Continue this for 24 hours and then gradually return to a regular diet. The symptoms should come under control in the first 12-24 hours. If they persist, call.
Burns: The best first aid for burns is luke warm water soaks, then call. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen will relieve pain.
Circumcision: Leave it alone, except to retract foreskin once healing has completed. If there is redness, cover with Vaseline until it heals.
Cradle Cap: This is a pcommon problem in children under 1 year of age. For several cases, Sebulex Shampoo every 2-3 days will help. Don't be afraid to work it in, including over the soft spot. Leave it on for 5 minutes and then rinse off. More frequent use may be necessary at first.
Cuts: For simple cuts and bruises, wash the area with soap and encourage bleeding initially. Call if there is any question of serious injury, the need for stitches, or if your child has not had a tetanus booster in the past 5 years. Cover with a clean dry dressing. If you feel it is a serious cut or injury please call, if possible. Do not sure alcohol on a fresh wound. Local pressure will usually stop active bleeding.
Head Injury: Call promptly for any hard, head bump. Put the patient to bed and let him/her rest until we discuss the problem with you. If patient vomits repeatedly, has severe or persistent head pain, goes into a deep sleep or appears unsteady, go to the hospital emergency room after calling. Do not force a child with head injury to stay
awake; just be sure he/she will arouse when stimulated.
Poisoning: If poisoning is suspected call our office or poison control center. You may be directed from the office to call the poison control center as they have the latest material ready at hand. For unusual poisons, the Poison Control Center number is 1-800-222-1222.
Teething: For teething pain, give acetaminophen drops by mouth. Let baby chew on something cold like an ice cube wrapped in cloth. Refrigerated, soft teething rings sometimes help. Teething lotions in general are not necessary and are of little help.