Heard of it?

Met up with a gf on Wednesday, did our usual catching up. The way we updated each other on our lives, we are doing a VR like that. Hee!

Was proud of mei-mei. She very 'chor lor' pull A's hand,"come come" guiding her but I was scared she'd break A's bones (though she's a little bigger size than my girl).
The 2 young ones and their toy -iPhone! Which kept them quiet for some time. Mei-mei played with mine and A played with her mummy's.




Gf's very resourceful. Always hv good lobangs and today she shared with me something very interesting.

On mental arithmetic, we've heard of a quite famous one which I did consider if I should enrol che-che in years back. Now she told me of another one in East Coast. It teaches Vedic Maths. It originates from India - hmm.......sounds interesting. And honestly I'm so doubtful, I mean we know Indians are very good linguistically but in Maths?? I asked hubby days later (obviously - with this late blog entry from me now!) if they are good in Maths. He said yes.

Anyway, I did a search on this. Found an interesting way to calculate a 3 digit by 3 digit multiplication method on youtube. But I feel like setting up a challenge with another's friend girl to see which method is faster.

Extracted from a website :
Today two different ancient methods are available for school students to conquer math. With either of this technique students are able to do large and complex calculations in their head without need of any modern day electronic devices. These techniques are: 1) Abacus Math and 2) Vedic Math. Before we indulge straight into the differences let us first know what these two methods are.

The abacus is an ancient tool invented during Greek and Roman times. Over the period abacus has evolved into different types as it traveled across the world. However it was in China the abacus was innovated further and used heavily in day-to-day life for calculations. Abacus math is a technique derived from this very old technique and fits right into the modern day world. Abacus use can build confidence, provide a sense of achievement, promote intuitive thinking, enhance problem-solving capability, stimulate creativity and improve concentration and mental endurance.

Vedic Mathematics has no legal definition. Hindu philosophy is based on Veda-s (ancient scriptures written in Sanskrit, some say as old as 5000 B.C.) and mathematics translated from these texts is termed as Vedic Mathematics. These ancient scriptures were rediscovered by Sri Bharati Krsna Tirthaji (1884-1960) and he translated the complex text into simpler understandable mathematics.

The system is based on 16 Vedic sutras or aphorisms, which are actually word-formulae describing natural ways of solving a whole range of mathematical problems. Some examples of sutras are "By one more than the one before", "All from 9 & the last from 10", and "Vertically & Crosswise". These 16 one-line formulae originally written in Sanskrit, which can be easily memorized, enables one to solve long mathematical problems quickly. These formulae describe the way the mind naturally works and are therefore a great help in directing the student to the appropriate method of solution.

With Abacus math, abacus is used as a tool to learn calculations. Beads are moved up and down and various columns to represent the number. When children use both hands to move the abacus beads to perform arithmetic calculations, there is quick communication between the hands and the brain that stimulates both the right and left hemispheres of the brain. This promotes rapid, balanced whole brain development. Abacus math should be started at very early childhood, as young as age 4. Abacus math starts at very basic level by teaching the numbers and then progressing to calculations. Eventually the child retains the memory of bead positions and the relevant notation. Abacus math if started during later ages can create a bit of hindrance.

Vedic math is entirely done in mind. Vedic math also starts at a basic level of numbers and gradually progressing to simple additions, subtractions, multiplications and division. Vedic math goes much more beyond just the basic calculations. With Vedic math one can also solve complex geometrical theorems and algebraic problems. Vedic math can be started at later ages as well without any difficulty.

The key in both techniques is to practice and implement the methods in your day-to-day life. And what could be a better way to practice then using the math worksheets. Today there are various websites you can refer to gain knowledge of either method.

How to tell if your preschooler is a gifted

How to tell if your preschooler is gifted

by Jill Levey

Highlights

Signs of giftedness in a preschooler
Testing your preschooler for giftedness
When giftedness is hard to diagnose

"Did you hear what he just said?" Many parents see every word their child utters or every squiggle he draws as evidence of his being gifted. Though most children aren't identified as gifted until they begin formal school, some show signs of being gifted at a very early age.

Gifted child Ben Hellerstein of Larchmont, N.Y., for instance, was actually reading nonfiction books and memorizing facts by the age of 4. His mother wishes she had realized that he was academically advanced at that time. "If I had," she says wistfully, "he could have gotten the help he needed in school earlier than he did, and his first year of school wouldn't have been so unhappy."

Signs of giftedness in a preschooler

Your 2- to 4-year-old may be gifted if he:

• Has a specific talent, such as artistic ability or an unusual facility for numbers. For example, children who draw unusually realistic pictures or who can manipulate numbers in their head may be gifted.

• Reaches developmental milestones well ahead of peers.

• Has advanced language development, such as an extensive vocabulary or the ability to speak in sentences much earlier than other children his age.

• Is relentlessly curious and never seems to stop asking questions.

• Is unusually active, though not hyperactive. While hyperactive children often have a short attention span, gifted children can concentrate on one task for long periods of time and are passionate about their interests.

• Has a vivid imagination. Gifted children often create a vast and intricate network of imaginary friends with whom they become very involved.

• Is able to memorize facts easily and can recall arcane information that he learns from television shows, movies, or books.

Other signs of giftedness may be a little harder to discern. By age 3 or 4, for example, some gifted children begin to realize that they are "different" from their peers. This can make them feel isolated and withdrawn; it may also make them likely targets for bullying.

They may begin to experience intense frustration because they can think more rapidly than they can express themselves, verbally or physically. If your child appears unusually angry or frustrated, you may want to consult a mental health professional.

Testing your preschooler for giftedness

Though you may want to know if your preschooler is gifted, most children don't need to be tested for giftedness before entering elementary school. However, consultations with a mental health professional may be appropriate if your preschooler appears to be unusually bored in school or shows any signs of emotional or social problems.

If your child is enrolled in preschool, speak to the teacher or school director to find out if the school is affiliated with any mental health professionals who specialize in working with gifted children. If your child is not in school or the school isn't being receptive to your concerns, ask your pediatrician to refer you to a child psychologist who conducts tests for giftedness. Keep in mind that that although private testing is often expensive (testing and follow-up consultation can run as high as $1,000), your insurance plan may cover the cost.

Children as young as 3 can be given IQ and ability tests, but experts believe that IQ test results obtained before the age of 5 are unstable — that is, if a child is retested, his scores can fluctuate significantly until this age. Years ago, children whose IQ scores were over 130 were considered gifted (the range for average intelligence is 85 to 115); today, however, IQ is one factor among many that need to be evaluated before a child is identified as gifted. Often parents and teachers will be asked to write their impressions of a child, and these subjective measures are considered along with test data.

When giftedness is hard to diagnose

You might be surprised to learn that a child can be both gifted and learning disabled. In most cases, the disability is recognized while giftedness goes undetected. Giftedness in children from ethnic minorities and disadvantaged backgrounds, and in those for whom English is a second language, is often overlooked as well. If your child falls into any of these categories, it's best to find a psychologist who is sensitive to these issues. It is also important to ask your child's teacher to observe him and look for talents that conventional tests cannot detect.

To find other resources for parents of gifted children, visit NAGC's Web site.

Highly recommended!!

Children finds it a thrill to see it filling up (except for my lil' girl) They try their best to fill it up and that makes life a little better for parents (not in my case).

Printable Rewards, click on the sidebars to see many more interesting links.

Good to know

Collected my reserved book- The Values Book by Pam Schiller and Tamera Bryant @ the library this morning. I love MPCL - the children area. Must bring my children there one day.

If you have the chance, try to get hold of this book. Many a times as parents, we are too caught up with the educational aspect of raising a child, ignoring the most important element - EQ - thinking that they will not help them in the future (No paper qualifications; no job - sounds familiar?)

About the book :

Teaching 16 Basic Values to Young Children
Young children learn best by doing, and that includes learning values.

The Values Book is packed with easy activities, projects and ideas to help children learn values and build character, both individually and in groups. Each chapter addresses one of 16 different values, including understanding, patience and tolerance. After defining the value, each chapter begins with questions to help adults clarify what that value means to them. The perfect book to introduce and strengthen the teaching of values in any early childhood classroom or home.

Best time to start nurturing that little precious of yours is now. This book starts every chapter with a song or poem. Of course good if you know the song, if not make up the tune yourself. Your child wouldn't know it.

In the first chapter of the book, it teaches Compassion & Empathy. The main cover song , I knew this song but didn't dwell into the meaning of the song until now.

"In a cabin in a wood
Little man by his window stood,
Saw a rabbit hopping by
Knocking at his door.

"Help me! Help me! Help me!" he said.
"I need a place to rest my head."
"Little rabbit, come inside
Safely to abide."

At the end of each chapter (Values), it gives you a listing of books you can read further with your children. Knowing me, I won't go and look for it in the library, I'd do it in the comfort of my home, clicking to reserve my books. Hee!

Anyway, that reminds me too, I heard Grolier sells a package on Character Building books. I'm not sure if that's the same one as these 2 :

********************************************

When Athena started school, the school passed the children many fliers on subscribing to newsletters. So far, there's The Young Scientists for Science, Highlights, for GK, And some Math things which I did subscribe for her (see lah! subscribe for her also can forget name) I ignored the other two coz' all these are too overwhelming for me. As it is, too many things to declutter at home.
But somehow about a month or more back I saw this Learning Is Fun by BBC magazine on the rack which I found it to be really interesting. And I'm even more supportive when I see the acronym - BBC. You are able to subscribe to it via mediacorp.

Another interesting little magazine I found - National Geographic Little Kids. I think this has been out for some time already and I only noticed it now.

Toddler milestone: Talking

* extracted from Babycenter *

Highlights

Talking
When and how it develops
Your role
When to be concerned
What comes next

Talking

Talking is inextricably linked to understanding speech. By listening to others, your child learns what words sound like and how to put a sentence together. As a baby, he discovered first how to make sounds, then how to make those sounds into real words ("mama" and "dada" may have slipped out as early as 4 or 5 months). By the time he was a year old, he was diligently trying to imitate the sounds around him (though you probably heard him babbling away in a lingo that only he could understand). Now comes a period of extraordinary growth, as you watch your toddler go from speaking a few simple words to asking questions, giving directions, and even telling you stories he's made up.

When and how it develops

Here's how you can expect your toddler's talking to progress. If he's being raised in a bilingual environment, the number of words he can speak will be split between the two languages he's learning.

12 to 18 months
At his first birthday, your child will likely use one to five words meaningfully. By 14 months, that working vocabulary may grow to seven real words, though he may have up to 20 "words" (these may be more like sounds) that only he and someone close to him can understand. He'll even practice inflection, raising his tone when asking a question. He might say "Up-py?" when he asks to be carried, for example.

Your toddler is realizing the power of talking as a means of communicating his needs. Until he learns more words to get his ideas and desires across, he'll likely combine his speech with gestures to show what he wants. He'll reach his arms toward his favorite toy, for example, and say "ball." In fact, some toddlers develop a whole sign language of gestures to communicate with their parents. Your child might cover his face when he's embarrassed, for example, or pound on the table when he's mad.

Don't worry if he struggles to get his meaning across now and then. This frustration is actually a healthy sign that he's trying hard to communicate and cares whether or not you understand him.

By 16 months, your toddler will probably start making many common consonant sounds, such as t, d, n, w, and h. Learning to make these sounds is a watershed event, one that leads to the rapid vocabulary spurt that most children go through starting around 18 months. Don't expect to hear all these sounds in actual words yet. But you may hear him repeating them when he's alone in his crib or playing with his toys.

19 to 24 months
Your child now understands as many as 200 words, though he'll probably use only 50 to 75 of them regularly. Many of these words will be nouns that designate objects in his daily life, such as "spoon" and "car." Between 18 and 20 months, his pace will pick up as he acquires ten or more new words each day. If he's especially focused on learning to talk, he can add a new word to his vocabulary every 90 minutes — so watch your language!

During this phase your child may begin stringing two words together, making basic sentences such as "Carry me." Since his grammar skills are still undeveloped, you'll often hear odd constructions such as "Me go." He's understood for some time that he needs language, and he'll attempt to name new objects as he observes the world around him. He may overextend the words he already knows, though, so that all new animals are called "dogs," for example.

Starting around his second birthday, your child will begin using three-word sentences and singing simple tunes. As his sense of self matures, he'll use "me" to refer to himself, and he's likely to tell you what he likes and doesn't, what he thinks, and what he feels. You may hear him say, "David want juice" or "Baby throw," for instance. (Pronouns are tricky, so you may catch him avoiding them.)

25 to 30 months
Now that he has a bigger vocabulary, your toddler will begin to experiment with modulation. For a while he may yell when he means to speak normally and whisper softly when answering a question, but he'll find the appropriate volume soon enough. He's also starting to get the hang of pronouns, such as "I," "me," and "you." Between ages 2 and 3, his working vocabulary will grow to up to 300 words — and he'll understand up to 900 words. He'll string nouns and verbs together to form complete but simple sentences, such as "I go now."

He'll even get the hang of speaking about events that happened in the past. He may not quite understand the concept of irregular forms, though, so you'll hear expressions like "I runned" or "I swimmed" and plurals like "mouses." Sure, it's cute, but it also shows that he's picking up on the basic rules of grammar (that you add a "d" sound to a word if it happened yesterday, for example, and an "s" sound to make things plural).

At this age, your child will start answering simple questions, such as "Do you want a snack?" and "Where are your shoes?" If you notice that he consistently echoes your questions rather than trying to answer them, bring it up with your child's doctor. Such behavior can be an early sign of a developmental problem such as autism.

31 to 36 months
By the time he turns 3, your child will be a more sophisticated talker. He'll be able to carry on a sustained conversation and adjust his tone, speech patterns, and vocabulary to fit the person he's talking to in a particular situation. For instance, he'll often use simpler words with a peer ("I need go potty") but more complex constructions with you ("I need to go to the bathroom").

By now, other adults, including strangers, should be able to understand almost everything he says, which means you won't have to do as much translating. He'll even be a pro at saying his first and last name and his age — and will readily oblige when asked.

Your role

You can help your child's language skills along by providing a rich and nurturing communication environment. The most important things to do:

• Talk. Research shows that children whose parents spoke to them extensively when they were babies have significantly higher IQs and richer vocabularies than other children. You don't need to chatter nonstop, but speak to your child whenever you're together. Describe what you're doing, point things out, ask questions, sing songs. (Although some baby talk is okay, resist the temptation to coo and babble. Your child will learn to speak well by listening to you speak well.) • Read. Reading to your child is a great way to expose him to new vocabulary, the way sentences are put together, and how stories flow. But don't just read the words — ask your child to find things in the illustrations or tell you what happened to the characters. • Listen. When your child talks to you, be a good listener — look at him and be responsive. He's more likely to speak up when he knows you're interested in what he's saying.

When to be concerned

You're the best person to gauge your child's speech development. If he's showing any of the signs listed below and you feel concerned, it's a good idea to discuss the possibility of a language delay or hearing problem with your child's doctor.

If it seems necessary, your doctor will refer your child to a pediatric speech-language pathologist for an evaluation. (A searchable directory of certified therapists can be found on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Web site.) Alternatively, your doctor's office, daycare provider, or local school might be able to direct you to an early intervention program in your area — usually coordinated through the county or public school system — that will provide free screening for language problems.

Some signs to look out for:

12 to 18 months
Your child isn't saying any words by 15 months (including "mama" or "dada"), didn't babble before his first birthday, is unable to point to any body parts, or you still can't understand a word he's saying by 18 months.

19 to 24 months
Your child rarely attempts to speak or imitate others, drops consonants from words (saying "ea-ut" for "peanut," for example), doesn't seem to get frustrated when you can't understand what he wants, or only uses single words — no combinations.

25 to 36 months
Your child continues to drop consonants, has difficulty naming most everyday objects, hasn't started to use two- or three-word phrases, or by age 3 cannot be well understood by someone who doesn't know him.

If your child stutters, it doesn't necessarily signal a problem. Stuttering is a normal phase, especially when his ability to communicate is expanding so rapidly. Sometimes he'll be so excited to tell you what's on his mind that he can't get the words out fast enough. But if his stuttering continues for more than six months, or if it's bad enough that he tenses his jaw or grimaces in an effort to get the words out, talk with his doctor about it.

What comes next

As your child grows, he'll become more of a chatterbox. There might be moments when you long for those peaceful days of speechlessness, but for the most part, you'll delight in his play-by-plays of what happened at preschool, what he thinks about dinosaurs, and his descriptions of what his best friend likes to eat.

By age 4, your child will use about 800 words. He'll begin to understand and use correct tenses, along with the words "won't" and "can't." Oh, and get ready for every why, what, and who question under the sun.

Milestone charts: What you can expect from birth to age 3

extracted from babycenter

Click here

When will my toddler stop needing a nap?

extracted from babycenter

When is it okay for my toddler to stop napping? And what should I do if she wants to stop before I want her to?

Expert Answers

Judith Owens, pediatric sleep expert

Most children under the age of 1 take two naps a day — usually one in the morning and another in the afternoon. By 18 months, most have given up the morning nap but still need an afternoon snooze to make it through dinner without a meltdown.

Even when you've kissed the morning nap goodbye, your toddler's likely to continue needing her afternoon nap for quite some time. At age 4, more than 50 percent of children are still taking naps. And even though the majority of children (about 70 percent) stop napping at 5 years, 3 in 10 still need a nap at this age.

That said, every child is different. Much depends on how many hours your toddler sleeps at night. Toddlers need approximately

12 to 14 hours of sleep in each 24-hour period

. So if, for example, your child goes to bed at 8 p.m. and doesn't get up until 8 a.m., she may get her full quota of rest all at once, giving her no reason to need a nap. But if she doesn't get 12 hours at night, then ideally she should get some zzz's during the day.

Total sleep isn't the only factor affecting naps, though. Younger children tend to have a stronger "sleep drive." This means they have a stronger urge to break up their waking hours with some sleep — in other words, they can't stay awake for long stretches as easily as older children and adults.

But so much for the theory. Now that your toddler's growing older, you'll most likely have a tougher time getting her down for a nap. Toddlers are so intent on discovering the world around them that they hate to miss out on anything, even if they're exhausted.

Here are some tips for hanging on to that blessed afternoon nap for as long as you can:

• If your toddler's at home, put her down for her nap in the same place where she sleeps at night. Because she already associates that spot with sleep, she's more likely to doze.

• If she goes to daycare or preschool and naps there, keep your home routine consistent with theirs. Tuck her in with the same stuffed animal or lovey she usually sleeps with at school.

• Figure out when your child gets sleepy in the afternoon (even if she denies it). Is it right after lunch, or an hour later? Just like adults, children have natural circadian rhythms, or sleep rhythms — watch for signs that your toddler's naturally drowsy. Build a nap routine around this time of day, working backward from when you first see her yawn or rub her eyes.

• If your child gives up her naps altogether before she's 4 years old, at least offer her some quiet time every day. Tell her that children rest after lunch so they'll have enough energy to play later on. Let her take some toys and books to bed with her, then dim the lights or draw the curtains and leave the room. Although she won't feel as well rested as she would had she slept, spending an hour or two not involved in active play will definitely do her some good.

Lack of sleep leads to weight gain in children

extracted from babycenter

Lack of sleep leads to weight gain in children

Tue, Jan 1, 2008 (HealthDay News) — Children who get less than nine hours of sleep a night are more likely to be overweight or obese, new research shows.

Sleep-deprived kids also have more than a 3 percent increase in body fat on average compared to youngsters who sleep for more than nine hours nightly.

The researchers also reported that children's sleep patterns vary by season and day. Children sleep fewer hours in the summer and on weekends, according to the study.

Researchers at the University of Auckland in New Zealand studied the sleep patterns of 591 seven-year-old children using actigraphy — a movement-based, noninvasive method used to study sleep-wake patterns and circadian rhythms. The children were assessed at birth, at one year of age, at three-and-a-half years and at seven years.

The team found that the children slept 10.1 hours on average. They slept fewer hours on weekend days than on weekdays, in the summer and when bedtime was set as after 9 p.m. They also slept fewer hours if they had no younger siblings.

In addition to increased weight and body fat, shorter sleep periods correlated with more emotional volatility, reported the research team.

"Sleep is important for health and well-being throughout life," said lead author Ed Mitchell in a prepared statement. "Few studies have objectively measured sleep duration. In this large study of sleep in seven-year-olds, there was considerable variation in duration of sleep. Sleep duration was 40 minutes longer in winter than summer and was 31 minutes longer on weekdays than on the weekend. Short sleep duration was associated with a threefold increased risk of the child being overweight or obese. This effect was independent of physical activity or television watching. Attention to sleep in childhood may be an important strategy to reduce the obesity epidemic."

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that children in preschool sleep between 11 and 13 hours a night and school-aged children between 10 and 11 hours of sleep a night.

The academy suggested that parents give their children an opportunity to get the recommended amount of sleep by keeping a consistent bedtime routine in a relaxed setting. Children may also sleep better if they have a parent to relate to before bed, instead of TV or video games. Food, drinks and medicines that contain caffeine are all enemies of sleep, according to the academy.

The study is published in the January issue of Sleep.

Guide to feeding your baby and toddler

Extracted from babycenter.com

Age-by-age guide to feeding your baby and toddler
Use this guide to find out what and how much to feed your child at every stage of development from birth to age 3. Don't worry if your child eats more or less than the amounts listed, though — they're only meant as rough guidelines.

Age: Birth to 4 months

Feeding behavior • Rooting reflex helps your baby turn toward a nipple to find nourishment

What to feed • Breast milk or formula ONLY

Feeding tip
• Your baby's digestive tract is still developing, which is why solid food is off limits for now.

Age: 4 to 6 months
Signs of readiness for solid food Your baby probably won't do all these things — they're just clues to watch for. • Can hold head up • Sits well in highchair • Makes chewing motions • Shows significant weight gain (birth weight has doubled) • Shows interest in food • Can close mouth around a spoon • Can move food from front to back of mouth • Can move tongue back and forth, but is losing tendency to push food out with tongue • Seems hungry after 8 to 10 feedings of breast milk or 40 oz. of formula in a day • Is teething
What to feed • Breast milk or formula, PLUS • Semi-liquid iron-fortified rice cereal, THEN • Other grain cereals like oats or barley	How much per day • Begin with about 1 teaspoon dry rice cereal mixed with 4 to 5 teaspoons breast milk or formula (it'll be very runny). • Gradually thicken consistency and increase to 1 tablespoon dry cereal mixed with breast milk or formula, twice a day.
Feeding tips • If your baby won't eat the cereal on the first try, offer it again in a few days. • Get more detailed tips on how to introduce solids.

Age: 6 to 8 months
Signs of readiness for solid food • Same as 4 to 6 months
What to feed • Breast milk or formula, PLUS • Iron-fortified cereals (rice, barley, oats) • Pureed or strained fruits (banana, pears, applesauce, peaches) • Pureed or strained vegetables (avocado, well-cooked carrots, squash, and sweet potato)	How much per day • 3 to 9 tablespoons cereal, in 2 to 3 feedings • 1 teaspoon fruit, gradually increased to ¼ to ½ cup in 2 to 3 feedings • 1 teaspoon vegetables, gradually increased to ¼ to ½ cup in 2 to 3 feedings
Feeding tips • Introduce new foods one at a time, with at least three days in between to make sure your baby's not allergic. • Get more detailed tips on how to introduce solids.

Age: 8 to 10 months
Signs of readiness for solid and finger foods • Same as 6 to 8 months, PLUS • Picks up objects with thumb and forefinger (pincer grasp) • Can transfer items from one hand to the other • Puts everything in his mouth • Moves jaw in a chewing motion
What to feed • Breast milk or formula, PLUS • Small amounts of soft pasteurized cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese (but no cows' milk until age 1) • Iron-fortified cereals (rice, barley, wheat, oats, mixed cereals) • Mashed fruits and vegetables (bananas, peaches, pears, avocados, cooked carrots, squash, potatoes, sweet potatoes) • Finger foods (lightly toasted bagels, cut up; small pieces of ripe banana; well-cooked spiral pasta; teething crackers; low-sugar O-shaped cereal) • Small amounts of protein (egg yolk, pureed meats and poultry; tofu; well-cooked and mashed beans with soft skins like lentils, split peas, pintos, black beans) • Non-citrus juice (apple or pear)	How much per day • ¼ to 1/3 cup dairy (or ½ oz. cheese) • ¼ to ½ cup iron-fortified cereal • ¼ to ½ cup fruit • ¼ to ½ cup vegetables • 1/8 to ¼ cup protein foods • 3 to 4 oz. non-citrus juices
Feeding tip • Introduce new foods one at a time, with at least three days in between to make sure your baby's not allergic.

Age: 10 to 12 months
Signs of readiness for additional solid food • Same as 8 to 10 months, PLUS • Swallows food more easily • Has more teeth • No longer pushes food out with tongue • Is trying to use a spoon
What to feed • Breast milk or formula PLUS • Soft pasteurized cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese (but no cows' milk until age 1) • Iron-fortified cereals (rice, barley, wheat, oats, mixed cereals) • Fruit cut into cubes or strips, or mashed • Bite-size, soft-cooked vegetables (peas, carrots) • Combo foods (macaroni and cheese, casseroles) • Protein (egg yolk, pureed or finely ground meats and poultry, tofu, well-cooked and mashed beans) • Finger foods (lightly toasted bread or bagels, small pieces of ripe banana, spiral pasta, teething crackers, low-sugar O-shaped cereal) • Non-citrus juice	How much per day • 1/3 cup dairy (or ½ oz. cheese) • ¼ to ½ cup iron-fortified cereal • ¼ to ½ cup fruit • ¼ to ½ cup vegetables • 1/8 to ¼ cup combo foods • 1/8 to ¼ cup protein foods • 3 to 4 oz. non-citrus juices
Feeding tip • Introduce new foods one at a time, with at least three days in between to make sure your baby's not allergic.

Age: 12 to 18 months
Signs of readiness for self-feeding • Can start to use a spoon himself (though proficiency will take a while!)
What to feed • Whole milk • Other dairy (soft pasteurized cheese, full-fat yogurt and cottage cheese) • Same food as family, mashed or chopped into bite-size pieces • Iron-fortified cereals (rice, barley, wheat, oats, mixed cereals) • Other grains (whole wheat bread, pasta, rice) • New fruits: melon, papaya, apricot, grapefruit (citrus is now okay) • New vegetables: broccoli and cauliflower "trees" • Protein (eggs; cut-up or ground meat, poultry, boneless fish; tofu; beans; thinly spread smooth peanut butter) • Citrus and non-citrus juice • Honey is now okay	How much per day • 2 to 3 servings dairy (1 serving = ½ cup milk, ½ to 1 oz. cheese, 1/3 to ½ cup yogurt or cottage cheese) • 4 to 6 servings cereals and other grains (1 serving = ¼ to 1/3 cup cereal, ¼ cup pasta or rice, ¼ to ½ slice bread or bagel) • ¼ to ½ cup fruit • ¼ to ½ cup vegetables • 2 servings protein (1 serving = 2 tablespoons ground or two 1-inch cubes meat, poultry, or fish; 1 egg; ¼ cup tofu or cooked beans; 1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter) • 3 to 4 oz. juice
Feeding tips • Introduce new foods one at a time, with at least three days in between to make sure your child's not allergic. • Choking hazards are still a danger. Learn more about foods to watch out for.

Age: 18 to 24 months
Feeding skills to look for • Self-feeding • Food phrases like "more" and "all done"
What to feed • Whole milk • Other dairy (natural hard cheese, soft pasteurized cheese, full-fat yogurt and cottage cheese, pudding) • Iron-fortified cereals (rice, barley, wheat, oat, mixed cereals) • Other grains (whole wheat bread and crackers, cut-up bagels, pretzels, rice cakes, ready-to-eat cereals, pasta, rice) • Fruit, cooked, canned or fresh, cut up or sliced (apples, bananas, peaches, strawberries, pears, cherries, grapes, plums, oranges, grapefruit) • Dried fruit, soaked until soft so it won't pose a choking hazard (apples, apricots, peaches, pears, dates, pitted prunes, raisins) • Vegetables, cooked and mashed or diced (carrots, green beans, cauliflower, broccoli, yams, potatoes, peas) • Protein (eggs; cut-up or ground meat, poultry, boneless fish; tofu; beans; smooth peanut butter) • Combo foods like macaroni and cheese, casseroles • Fruit and vegetable juices	How much per day • 2 to 3 servings dairy (1 serving = ½ cup milk; ½ to 1 oz. cheese; 1/3 to ½ cup yogurt or cottage cheese; ¼ cup pudding) • 6 servings grains (1 serving = ¼ to ½ slice bread or bagel; 1 or 2 crackers; ¼ cup pasta or rice; 1/3 to ½ cup cooked or ready-to-eat cereal) • 2 to 3 servings fruit (1 serving = ¼ cup cooked or canned, ½ piece fresh; 1/8 cup dried; ¼ to ½ cup juice) • 2 to 3 servings vegetables (1 serving = 1 to 2 tablespoons) • 2 servings protein (1 serving = 2 tablespoons ground or two 1-inch cubes meat, poultry, or fish; 1 egg; ¼ cup tofu or cooked beans; 1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter)
Feeding tips • Introduce new foods one at a time, with at least three days in between to make sure your child's not allergic. • Choking hazards are still a danger. Learn more about foods to watch out for.

Age: 24 to 36 months
Feeding skills to look for • Self-feeding • Eagerness to make own food choices
What to feed • Low-fat milk • Other dairy (diced or grated cheese; low-fat yogurt, cottage cheese, pudding) • Iron-fortified cereals (rice, barley, wheat, oats, mixed cereals) • Other grains (whole wheat bread and crackers, cut-up bagels, pretzels, rice cakes, ready-to-eat cereal, pasta, rice) • Fruits, sliced fresh or canned • Dried fruit, soaked until soft so it won't pose a choking hazard (apples, apricots, peaches, pears, dates, pitted prunes, raisins) • Vegetables, cooked and cut up • Protein (eggs; cut-up or ground meat, poultry, boneless fish; tofu; beans; smooth peanut butter) • Combo foods like macaroni and cheese, casseroles • Fruit and vegetable juices	How much per day One serving for a child this age is about ¼ the size of an adult serving. • 2 to 3 servings dairy (1 serving = ½ cup milk; ½ to ¾ oz. cheese; ½ cup yogurt; ¼ to ½ cup cottage cheese; ¼ cup pudding) • 6 servings grains (1 serving = ½ slice bread or bagel; 1 or 2 crackers; ¼ to ½ cup pasta or rice; 1/3 to ½ cup cooked or ready-to-eat cereal) • 2 to 3 servings fruit (1 serving = ¼ cup cooked or canned, ½ piece fresh, or ¼ to ½ cup juice) • 2 to 3 servings vegetables (1 serving = 2 to 3 tablespoons) • 2 servings protein (1 serving = 2 tablespoons ground or two 1-inch cubes meat, poultry, or fish; 1 egg; ¼ cup tofu or cooked beans; 1 tablespoon peanut butter)
Feeding tips • Introduce new foods one at a time, with at least three days in between to make sure your child's not allergic. • Choking hazards are still a danger. Learn more about foods to watch out for. • Your child may seem to eat less than before — that's perfectly normal at this stage. If you wonder whether he's getting enough calories, use this guideline: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your child get about 40 calories a day for every inch of height.

Allergies

How can I tell if my baby has allergies or just a cold?
Because the symptoms of nasal allergies (also known as allergic rhinitis) are much like cold symptoms — runny nose, watery eyes, cough, nasal congestion, sneezing — it can be tough to tell the difference. There are some telltale signs of allergies, though. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Does it seem like your baby always has a cold? (Colds usually wind themselves down in a week to ten days; allergies don't.)

• Is your baby's nose always stuffy or running?

• Is she constantly wiggling, wiping, or pushing her nose up in what doctors call the allergic salute?

• Is the mucus that drains from her nose clear and thin (as opposed to yellow or greenish and thick)?

• Does she seem to sneeze a lot?

• Are her eyes itchy, red, and watery?

• Does the skin under her eyes look dark or purple or blue (doctors call these allergic shiners)?

• Does she breathe through her mouth?

• Does she have a dry cough?

• Is her skin irritated or broken out in an itchy red rash?

If you answered "yes" to one or more of these questions, there's a good chance your baby is allergic to something in her environment. Kids with nasal allergies are also more prone to ear infections, asthma, and sinus infections.

What causes allergies?
An allergy is a special immune reaction to a substance in the environment. When a child with allergies comes into contact with one of these substances, known as an allergen — either by touching it, breathing it, eating it, or having it injected — her body views it as a dangerous invader and releases histamines and other chemicals to fight it off. These chemicals irritate the body and cause symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, itching, and coughing.

Possible allergens include food, drugs, insects, animal dander, dust mites, mold, and pollen. Depending on the type of allergy, it can cause respiratory symptoms (allergic rhinitis), skin symptoms (like eczema), or intestinal problems (from food allergies, for example).

The most likely culprits of nasal allergies in babies are:

• Dust mites — microscopic organisms that thrive on human skin flakes (nearly 85 percent of allergy sufferers are allergic to dust mites)

• Animal dander — those white flaky specks (shedding skin and hair) on cats, dogs, and other furry animals

• Molds — fungi found in wet, damp places such as bathrooms and basements

Some children are allergic to down and feather pillows, or chenille or wool blankets. And while most experts don't think children can be allergic to tobacco smoke, it can certainly make their allergic symptoms worse.

A child will inherit the tendency to be allergic, but not necessarily the specific allergies. For example, if one of your child's biological parents has hay fever or pet allergies, there's a 50 percent chance your child have some sort of allergies as well. That probability jumps to 75 percent when both biological parents have allergies. Family members may differ widely in the kinds of things they are allergic to.

If my baby is allergic, will I know right away?
Probably not. It can take time for an allergy to develop. Each allergic person has a threshold that must be met before an allergen causes a reaction, and this can take several months.

So if your baby inherited the tendency to be allergic to cat dander, she may have no trouble at all for the first few months she's around Fluffy, or she may have a reduced reaction. But then one day, when the exposure level reaches her threshold, her body will react and mount an offense.

Seasonal allergies to things such as pollen and grass usually don't rear their ugly (and stuffy) head until a child is about 3 to 4 years old.

How can I figure out what my baby is allergic to?
It takes some careful detective work and sometimes the help of medical tests to pinpoint the exact cause of an allergy. One clue may be when the allergy attacks occur.

Mold allergies usually develop during damp or rainy weather and can be hard to distinguish from colds. Dust mites or pet allergies often cause morning congestion throughout the year. Pollen-related allergies are more common in spring, summer, and fall.

Unfortunately, sending Fluffy away for a few days won't tell you for sure whether your baby has a pet allergy. Studies at Johns Hopkins University suggest it can take more than a year for cat dander to degrade in a room, for example.

On the other hand, if you take your baby away from the pet (on vacation, for example) and she seems better, then you have a good — but by no means conclusive — lead. (You'd also want to consider that your baby might be allergic to something else in your house.)

If your own sleuthing doesn't give you the answer, it's time to see the doctor. He'll examine your baby and ask lots of questions. If he believes the problem is allergies, he may refer you directly to an allergic specialist or he may suggest a blood test to measure levels of IgE (allergy) antibodies in your baby's blood.

Blood tests may be less accurate than skin tests, especially for infants. So if the blood test does suggest an allergy, the next step for your little sniffler is a skin test. You'll need to see an allergist for that.

During a skin test, an allergist applies small amounts of common allergens to your child's skin. If your baby is allergic to a substance, she'll have a reaction (similar to a mosquito bite) on that spot. Infants may have smaller reactions than older children, but the tests can still be very useful.

"Keep in mind that testing tells you what your child is allergic to at that point, but it may change as your child gets older," says Seattle pediatric allergist Frank S. Virant. If your baby has a negative skin test but continues to have allergy symptoms, have her reevaluated in six to 12 months.

How are allergies treated in babies?
The most important thing you can do is reduce your baby's exposure to the allergen. Here are the best ways to do that for the most common allergens:

Dust mites
Dust mites live in fabrics and carpets and are common in every room of the house. But most children are exposed to the most dust mites in the bedroom, where mattresses and pillows are veritable dust-mite condominiums.

The following steps may seem like a lot of work, but they really help. "Parents who take these steps might expect a 60 to 70 percent rate of improvement in their child's allergies," says Virant, "and this should markedly cut down the level of medication needed for the problem."

• Encase your baby's mattress in an impenetrable cover made of very tightly woven fabric, found at allergy supply stores. Unlike vinyl covers, these provide a useful barrier that's breathable and not crinkly. Avoid big, fluffy comforters and use blankets instead.

• Wash bedding once a week in hot water to kill dust mites. Set your water heater to about 130 degrees Fahrenheit before laundering bedding. Don't forget to turn the water heater back down (to about 120 to 125 degrees) afterward so family members won't scald themselves when they go to wash their hands.

• Avoid piling up stuffed animals in your baby's room — they're dust-mite magnets. Wash the few favorites your baby can't live without in hot water weekly or stick them in the freezer for an overnight killing frost.

• Dust and vacuum weekly or every other week, but make sure your baby isn't in the room when you do it. The action of dusting and vacuuming can stir up residual dust-mite particles in the room. Wet mopping can help prevent this.

• Consider investing in a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate arresting) filter, which traps even microscopic particles that pass right through ordinary vacuum cleaners.

• If your baby has a severe dust mite allergy, consider tearing up carpeting and replacing it with a smooth floor.

• Clean or replace filters on furnace and air-conditioners monthly during seasons they're in use. Have heating ducts cleaned each fall.

Pet dander
If your baby is allergic to a pet, the only foolproof solution is to give the animal away. That's not an easy decision to make, of course, and, understandably, you'll want to consider it only as a last resort.

To keep the dander down, wash your pet frequently. (You can find shampoos that reduce dander in the pet store.) Also keep your pet off the furniture and out of your baby's room.

Molds
Use a dehumidifier and air conditioner when the weather is warm and moist, especially in a wet basement or other areas of your home where mold growth is a problem. If your bathroom is a mold factory, clean it regularly with mold-inhibiting disinfectants, such as a little bleach and water or a natural solution like tea tree oil and water. And consider investing in a better ventilation system.

Mold can often be found growing in closets, attics, cellars, planters, refrigerators, shower stalls, and garbage cans, and under carpets. Even a fake Christmas tree can harbor mold.

Are there any medications that can help my baby?
Yes, but don't give her over-the-counter allergy medicine without talking to your doctor first. He may suggest antihistamines and possibly offer you a prescription. Many of the newer allergy medicines have fewer side effects than other products on the market, though these medications are not approved for children younger than 6 months.

What can I do to prevent my baby from getting allergies in the first place?
At this point, there's lots of conflicting information about preventing or delaying allergies by postponing — or accelerating — a child's exposure to potential allergens.

"Someday we'll be able to look at genetics and really know what a child is destined to be allergic to," says Virant. "But the reality is that, right now, there's nothing that predictably helps."

Of course, if you or your mate is allergic to cats, you won't want a feline in the house anyway. (Ditto for any other allergy-causing animal or substance.) And keeping your home — and in particular your baby's room — clean and as free of mold and dust mites as possible is a good idea, regardless of whether your child has allergies.

Talk to other parents on our bulletin boards about your child's asthma or breathing ailments, food allergies, or skin problems.

When should I try to teach table manners?

Let's start by being rather broad in our definition of table manners. Let's call it acceptable behavior at the table. I hope that you are setting a good example from the very beginning. This means no arguments at the table and staying seated for the entire meal. It also means no television when you are eating. Don't complain about the food, don't share with your child the list of the foods you don't like and why. In other words, your dinner table (and lunch and breakfast) behavior should be pleasant, upbeat, and positive, and considerate of others at the table.
Whether you put your elbows on the table and how you hold your fork are issues that you can fine-tune later on.

When your child is beginning to eat in a highchair, do not tolerate intentional spills and food throwing. As soon as it happens, stop the meal and get him down, even if he hasn't eaten very much. The behavior will stop promptly, or at a minimum you will quickly learn that he isn't hungry.

As your child becomes a toddler, make it clear that he doesn't have to clean his plate or even eat anything, but that he is expected to behave. He may get down from the table and play quietly in the dining area, but he doesn't return to the table, and as soon as he misbehaves he is in for a time-out. Point out that this "time-out" is not because he wasn't eating, but because he was misbehaving.

By following these simple rules your child will soon want to share the dining experience with you and will learn good table manners by watching your example.

Study matters

Was going through a few digraphs with Athena, and we had so much fun.

Today's lesson was on "ea" and "ee", and revision on "sh", "ch","ng" and "th" done previously.

To emphasise the words further with her, I found some words that can make with "ea" and "ee". For example : greet, feet, read, squeak. I made use of these cards which I've bought : My First making words snap and another word snap (can't get picture of it)

Using them, I asked Athena to spell out the words for me. She had to then read out each phonic sound for me, join them and tell me what it is. Sometimes, she'll tell me the word coz' she read it before, but still I'd ask her to give me the sounds of each letter.

Worksheets were printed from the Internet months in advance. Did some worksheets with her.

Later on, I let her do this book. It's rather advance for some words for her level, but I guess it's okay for her to do it.

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Mentioned before that I wanted to try to bring a book or two out on Wednesdays so that I don't have to rush through on other days of the week.
I tried and it really worked! I don't have to waste that time idling around TM. (normally I drive in to TM early coz' there's parking problem after certain timing. From 6 we'll usually dilly dally until her music lesson at 8.15pm) On Thursdays now, I mainly concentrate Maths with her; let her do some writing (if have time); her music revisions and the normal stuffs.

Cut! Cut!

My girl is cutting her first tooth soon!!! *dancing around* Earlier on, I noticed Aricia has been drooling a pool of saliva all the time. I kept cleaning it off for her and it didn't come into my mind that I should check her mouth. Then it crossed my mind 2 hours later (so stupid!), I did and oh boy! I was surprised to see a little of white protruding out from her bottom gums. I thought it looked longer than usual?? 2 growing at the same time? Perhaps I shouldn't feel the lest surprised, Athena once had 6 growing at the same time - and she was okay. No fever, just the frettiness. Wanted to snap my baby's gums but quite difficult, she cries everytime I try to open her mouth. Anyway, it should be slightly more prominent in the next few days so I shall try to take a photo of it then.

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ABOUT TEETHING

Teething Infants Teething can be an exciting time for parents. However, teething can be a very uncomfortable and painful time for a baby. The first teeth to appear are usually the bottom front teeth. As your baby begins to teeth, you may be able to feel a soft bump under their gum. Babies who are teething may show a drop in their appetite, pull on their ears, and they may become fussy. They may also drool excessively and bite down on anything they can get their little hands on. When does Teething Begin? Teething can begin as early as four months of age. Help with Teething? To help your baby with his or her discomfort, you can give them a teething ring. Many teething rings can be chilled in the refrigerator which can soothe the pain of cutting teeth. Allowing your baby to chew on something will help to break down the gum which will help the teeth to emerge. Many babies also like to chew on wet, chilled wash clothes, or have their gums rubbed with the pad of a finger. You can give your child a small dose of an infant’s pain reliever to help relieve discomfort. If your child seems to be very bothered by teething pain, you can apply a small amount of numbing medication to the inflamed gum area. However, be cautious. Too much of this topical treatment can numb a baby’s entire mouth and produce swallowing problems. Caring for your Baby's Gums It is important that you keep your baby’s gums clean and healthy. You should clean your child’s gums with a warm cloth-- even before a tooth appears. This should be done after feedings and at bedtime. Once your baby has their first tooth, you should brush it with a small, soft toothbrush when you are cleaning their gums. It is important to understand that the health of baby teeth (or primary teeth) is just as important to maintain as permanent teeth. Baby teeth help to make way for permanent teeth, and they also help muscles and the jawbone to develop properly. Keep in mind that teething never causes illness. If your baby has a rash, fever, or other symptoms of illness, you should take them to the pediatrician. Speaking of which explains the rash she has on her back, thought it was hot weather. Shall monitor her.

Nappy Rash

Apparently I still have a block nose and didn't know that Aricia had pooed in her diapers (which could explain her frettiness at mom's place earlier). But I didn't understand why they (bro and father) didn't tell me or smell anything....

I tried means to stop her from crying and decided (mother's instinct that it's not her wanting me to carry her but something else) that I had better check her diapers.

When I did, I cleaned and she had little nappy rash.(poor thing) Quickly cleaned her and changed her into the new diapers. Speeded like nobody's business (heng ah...no TP to catch me) back home to shower her and air her bottoms.Could have done it in mom's place but felt horrible after the episode.

More experienced this time round (Athena had more nappy rash), so I knew how to handle this and prevented this on Aricia.

} cleaned her bottoms with water
} applied Hydrocortisone on it. Since it's very very mild, one application is enough
} air her bottoms until she pee-ed on the sofa. KZ was still gleefully teasing her until I told her "who's washing it huh? Carry her.." and I took out the cushion cover and cleaned the cushion with Dettol.

What causes nappy rash?
Nappy rash is a skin inflammation. Most cases are due to a reaction of the skin to urine and motions (faeces). In addition, a germ called Candida commonly thrives on the inflamed skin. (This is the germ that causes thrush.) Candida can cause a more inflamed rash which may include darker red spots spreading around the nappy area ('nappy thrush').

Most nappy rashes are mild or moderate, and are not serious. Occasionally, skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, infections, and some rare skin diseases cause unusual nappy rashes.

Logically thinking.. this is what I'll do?
* show her bum to the world and for the ah-pek in the opposite block to see. This is to let fresh air get to the skin.
* change the nappy often Try not to let the urine and motions in contact with the skin for long periods. Infact, those washable diapers aren't helpful either!
* at home, since I have the basin.. I'll wash her bottom instead of relying on wet tissues.
* make sure the bottom is properly dry before putting on a new nappy. Dry by patting, not by rubbing, with a towel.
* don't use powder such as talcum powder which may irritate the skin and infact if you think or experiment what will happen to powder when you add water to it. So it isn't a barrier method of protecting the skin.
* barrier creams those with zinc oxide helps to protect the skin from moisture. Works better than Drapolene or Johnson's .

Baby signing?

Having Number 2 means I can explore all other cores which I've not with Athena.

With Athena, she was on GD and Tumble Tots. Now with Aricia, I thought if I should explore SCM and Gymboree. Then see which one works.... and obviously no Number 3 to get the best of everything. Haha!

But something which I thought is of interest to me would be baby signing. I can't imagine what would hubby's and our parents' reaction be like!

I remember my girlfriend, Angeline, told me she tried baby signing on her daughter Alexandra and nope.. her daughter spoke when it's time to. At first I thought Baby signing is like "hey! my girl's not deaf or mute, why should I be signing?" and " wouldn't it make my girl 哑叭 (mute)then?" But hey look! Alexandra turned out alright, so it should be okay.

Maybe signing will also help me to cool down my nerves.. until I start a new baby signing ''running after a kid with a cane''

Read on more

Child Safety

If you want to talk about safety, it all begins from your home and you. By providing a safe environment is an important part of caring for your new baby.

By creating an environment conducive to learning and safety. Take a walk through your house and garden today with the view to finding possible dangers and then practice child safety at home.

These are some tips that can help to keep your baby safe and secure :


* Take your baby home from hospital safely in an capsule or other approved child restraint for newborns that faces the back of the car.
* Provide a safe environment at home.
* Provide a safe environment when you are out.
* Provide a safe environment where your baby sleeps – this includes SIDS prevention.

Travel with your baby in a child restraint
Use an approved convertible child seat or capsule if you transport your baby by car. By law, all passengers must be restrained at all times when travelling in a car in Australia. Your local council or RACV organisation can advise you on the correct fitting of the restraint. Make sure your baby is adequately restrained while in the child seat or capsule (follow the manufacturer’s instructions). Never leave your baby unattended in the car – not even for two minutes.

Be aware of your baby’s comfort
The air circulation in some capsules is not always ideal – and babies may overheat. Be particularly careful in warm weather, or when your baby will be in the capsule for a long period of time. On a hot day, your baby may just need a light singlet or nightdress, and a light blanket. Check the baby regularly – you can feel the temperature of their body just by touching them: for example, on the tummy.

Provide a safe environment at home
Newborn babies have very little protection against infection, so it is important that you provide a clean hygienic environment. One of the most important things you can do is to make sure that anyone who handles your baby – including you – have washed their hands before touching the baby. People who have contagious infections – for example, colds or flu, or ‘cold sores’ (herpes simplex) – should not come in contact with your baby. Cold sores can be particularly dangerous to a newborn baby.

General safety tips at home
Make sure your baby is safe at all times. You should:

* Supervise young children near the baby.
* Keep animals away from the baby.
* Avoid hot drinks from coming into contact with your baby.
* Make sure that any equipment that comes directly in contact with the baby is clean and, if it is likely to go into their mouths, it must be sterilised (free from germs).
* Make sure that when you change your baby you put them down in a safe place – for example, use a change table with a little raised edge to prevent the baby rolling off – but never leave them alone on the change table.

Make bath time a safe time
When you give your baby (or child) a bath:

* Always supervise your child in the bath. The carer should always be within arm’s reach of the child. Anything less than constant supervision, within sight is not enough.
* Do not use a baby support to prop up a baby in the bath
* Never leave an older child to supervise a younger child in the bath.
* Take your child with you if your telephone or doorbell rings while you are supervising your child in the bath.
* Empty the bath immediately after use.
* Always keep the doors to the bathroom and laundry securely closed.

Provide a safe sleeping environment
Many parents worry about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Recent research has shown that there are some simple things you can do to reduce the risk of SIDS:

* Put the baby on their back when you put them to sleep.
* Don’t have fluffy toys, ‘bumpers’ or doona covers in the cot or bassinette – they can cause babies to overheat or suffocate.
* If the cot is large, make up the bottom of the cot with blankets and sheets, like you would a normal bed, and place the baby with their feet at the bottom of the cot.
* Keep your baby's head uncovered while they sleep.
* Don’t let anyone smoke in the house or around your baby.

Keep your baby safe when you’re out
Make sure you use a baby stroller or pram correctly, don’t hang shopping bags from the handles as it could cause the stroller to tip over. Make sure your read the manufacturers instructions and use the safety features. Always put the harness on your baby, even for short trips.

Remember to protect your baby from the sun and wind. A simple cloth thrown over the stroller may be enough, but it needs to be very light otherwise you could trap heat inside the stroller. Sunshades and storm covers can be bought from baby supply stores.

Parents must know - First Aid for children

I feel that all parents should equip themselves with some simple knowledge of First Aid especially when they have young children, they help to save their own children's lives while help (paramedics) is on the way.

I guess I should be thankful that I was given the training in SQ, if not - I wouldn't have realised the importance of Safety & First-aid. But at the same time, I haven't had anyone (thank goodness) to practice my First Aid on, so...I have to revise it on my own once in a while.

When I got to move out to start my family, the first thing that came into my mind was to get a Fire Extinguisher & First Aid Kit. * Please remember to go through your FAKit once in a while to check on the expiry date as well as the expiry date on the Fire Extinguisher (halon works for all sorts of fire)*

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I have listed some First Aid information here :

CPR

CPR is a lifesaving procedure that is performed when an infant's breathing or heartbeat has stopped, as in cases of drowning, suffocation, choking, or injuries. CPR is a combination of:

* Rescue breathing, which provides oxygen to the infant's lungs
* Chest compressions, which keep the infant's blood circulating.

Permanent brain damage (4 mins without oxygen) or death (4-6 mins) can occur within minutes if a infant's blood flow stops.

First, determine that it's safe to approach the person in trouble. For instance, if someone was injured in an accident on a busy highway, you'd have to be extremely careful about ongoing traffic as you try to help. Or if someone touched an exposed wire and was electrocuted, you'd have to be certain that he or she is no longer in contact with electricity before offering assistance, to prevent becoming electrocuted yourself. (For instance, turn off the source of electricity, such as a light switch or a circuit breaker.)

Once you know that you can safely approach someone who needs help, quickly evaluate whether the person is responsive. Look for things like eye opening, sounds from the mouth, or other signs of life like movement of the arms and legs. In infants and younger children, rubbing the chest (over the breastbone) can help determine if there is any level of responsiveness. In older children and adults, this can also be done by gently shaking the shoulders and asking if they're all right.

The next step is to check if the victim is breathing. You can determine this by watching the person's chest for the rise and fall of breaths and listening for the sound of air going in and out of the lungs. In a CPR or basic life support (BLS) course, participants practice techniques for determining if breathing or circulation is adequate. If you can't determine whether someone is breathing, you should begin CPR and continue until help arrives.

Whenever CPR is needed, remember to call for emergency medical assistance. Current CPR courses teach you that if you are alone with an unresponsive infant or child, give chest compressions for 5 cycles (about 2 minutes) before calling for help.

The three basic parts of CPR are easily remembered as "ABC": A for airway, B for breathing, and C for circulation.

* A is for airway. The victim's airway must be open for breathing to be restored. The airway may be blocked when a child loses consciousness or may be obstructed by food or some other foreign object. In a CPR course, participants learn how to open the airway and position the child so the airway is ready for rescue breathing. The course will include what to do to clear the airway if you believe an infant or child has choked and the airway is blocked.
* B is for breathing. Rescue breathing is begun when a child isn't breathing. Someone performing rescue breathing essentially breathes for the victim by forcing air into the lungs. This procedure includes breathing into the victim's mouth at correct intervals and checking for signs of life. A CPR course will review correct techniques and procedures for rescuers to position themselves to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to infants, children, and adults.
* C is for circulation. Chest compressions can sometimes restore circulation. Two rescue breaths should be provided and followed immediately by cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths. It is not necessary to check for signs of circulation to perform this technique. This procedure involves pushing on the chest to help circulate blood and maintain blood flow to major organs. A CPR course will teach you how to perform chest compressions in infants, children, and adults and how to coordinate the compressions with rescue breathing.

How to do CPR on Infants

♦ My advice : CPR is a skill that needs practice, instructors will teach you the correct way to 1)blow air correctly without you going out of breathe yourself 2) identify how to find where to do compression 3) to use the correct pressure for the compression♦

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Burns

From kids washing up under a too-hot faucet to an accidental tipping of a coffee cup, burns are a potential hazard in every home. In fact, burns, especially scalds from hot water and liquids, are some of the most common childhood accidents. Babies and young children are especially susceptible — they're curious, small, and have sensitive skin that needs extra protection.

Although some minor burns aren't cause for concern and can be safely treated at home, other more serious burns require medical care. But taking some simple precautions to make your home safer can prevent many burns.
Common Causes

The first step in helping to prevent your child from being burned is to understand the common causes of burns in children:

* scalds, the number-one culprit (from steam, hot bath water, tipped-over coffee cups, cooking fluids, etc.)
* contact with flames or hot objects (from the stove, fireplace, curling iron, etc.)
* chemical burns (from swallowing things, like drain cleaner or watch batteries, or spilling chemicals, such as bleach, onto the skin)
* electrical burns (from biting on electrical cords or sticking fingers or objects in electrical outlets, etc.)
* overexposure to the sun

Types of Burns

Burns are often categorized as first-, second-, or third-degree burns, depending on how badly the skin is damaged. Each of the injuries above can cause any of these three types of burn. But both the type of burn and its cause will determine how the burn is treated. All burns should be treated quickly to reduce the temperature of the burned area and reduce damage to the skin and underlying tissue (if the burn is severe).

First-degree burns, the mildest of the three, are limited to the top layer of skin:

* Signs and symptoms: These burns produce redness, pain, and minor swelling. The skin is dry without blisters.
* Healing time: Healing time is about 3 to 6 days; the superficial skin layer over the burn may peel off in 1 or 2 days.

Second-degree burns are more serious and involve the skin layers beneath the top layer:

* Signs and symptoms: These burns produce blisters, severe pain, and redness. The blisters sometimes break open and the area is wet looking with a bright pink to cherry red color.
* Healing time: Healing time varies depending on the severity of the burn.

Third-degree burns are the most serious type of burn and involve all the layers of the skin and underlying tissue:

* Signs and symptoms: The surface appears dry and can look waxy white, leathery, brown, or charred. There may be little or no pain or the area may feel numb at first because of nerve damage.
* Healing time: Healing time depends on the severity of the burn. Deep second- and third-degree burns (called full-thickness burns) will likely need to be treated with skin grafts, in which healthy skin is taken from another part of the body and surgically placed over the burn wound to help the area heal.

What to Do
Seek Medical Help Immediately When:

* You think your child has a second- or third-degree burn.
* The burned area is large, even if it seems like a minor burn. For any burn that appears to cover more than 10% of the body, call for medical assistance. And don't use wet compresses because they can cause the child's body temperature to drop. Instead, cover the area with a clean, soft cloth or towel.
* The burn comes from a fire, an electrical wire or socket, or chemicals.
* The burn is on the face, scalp, hands, joint surfaces, or genitals.
* The burn looks infected (with swelling, pus, increasing redness, or red streaking of the skin near the wound).

For First-Degree Burns: * Remove the child from the heat source. * Remove clothing from the burned area immediately. * Run cool (not cold) water over the burned area (if water isn't available, any cold, drinkable fluid can be used) or hold a clean, cold compress on the burn for approximately 3 to 5 minutes (do not use ice, as it may cause the burn to take longer to heal). * Do not apply butter, grease, powder, or any other remedies to the burn, as these increase the risk of infection. * If the burned area is small, loosely cover it with a sterile gauze pad or bandage. * Give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain. * If the area affected is small (the size of a quarter or smaller), keep the area clean and continue to use cool compresses and a loose dressing over the next 24 hours. You can also apply antibiotic cream two to three times a day, although this isn't absolutely necessary.

For Second- and Third-Degree Burns: * Seek emergency medical care, then follow these steps until medical personnel arrive: o Keep your child lying down with the burned area elevated. o Follow the instructions for first-degree burns. o Remove all jewelry and clothing from around the burn (in case there's any swelling after the injury), except for clothing that's stuck to the skin. If you're having difficulty removing clothing, you may need to cut it off or wait until medical assistance arrives. o Do not break any blisters. o Apply cool water over the area for at least 3 to 5 minutes, then cover the area with a clean white cloth or sheet until help arrives.
For Flame Burns:

* Extinguish the flames by having your child roll on the ground.
* Cover him or her with a blanket or jacket.
* Remove smoldering clothing and any jewelry around the burned area.
* Call for medical assistance, then follow instructions for second- and third-degree burns.

For Electrical and Chemical Burns:

* Make sure the child is not in contact with the electrical source before touching him or her or you may also get shocked.
* Flush the burned area with lots of running water for 5 minutes or more. If the burned area is large, use a tub, shower, buckets of water, or a garden hose.
* Do not remove any of your child's clothing before you've begun flushing the burn with water. As you continue flushing the burn, you can then remove clothing from the burned area.
* If the burned area is small, flush for another 10 to 20 minutes, apply a sterile gauze pad or bandage, and call your child's doctor.
* Chemical burns to the mouth or eyes require immediate medical evaluation after thorough flushing with water.

Although both chemical and electrical burns might not always be visible, they can be serious because of potential damage to the child's internal organs. Symptoms may vary, depending on the type and severity of the burn and what caused it and may include abdominal pain.

If you think your child may have swallowed a chemical substance or an object that could be harmful (for instance, a watch battery) first call poison control and then the emergency department. It is helpful to know what chemical product the child has swallowed or has been exposed to. You may need to take it with you to the hospital.

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CHOKING

The Heimlich Maneuver for CHOKING
A choking victim can't speak or breathe and needs your help immediately. Follow these steps to help a choking victim:

Lay the child down, face up, on a firm surface and kneel or stand at the victim's feet, or hold infant on your lap facing away from you. Place the middle and index fingers of both your hands below his rib cage and above his navel. Press into the victim's upper abdomen with a quick upward thrust; do not squeeze the rib cage. Be very gentle. Repeat until object is expelled.
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EYE INFECTIONS

You can treat many minor eye irritations by flushing the eye, but more serious injuries require medical attention. Injuries to the eye are the most common preventable cause of blindness, so when in doubt, err on the side of caution and call your child's doctor for help.

What to Do:
Routine Irritations
(sand, dirt, and other foreign bodies on the eye surface)
* Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the eyelids to examine or flush the eye.
* Do not touch, press, or rub the eye itself, and do whatever you can to keep the child from touching it (a baby can be swaddled as a preventive measure).
* Do not try to remove any foreign body except by flushing, because of the risk of scratching the surface of the eye, especially the cornea.
* Tilt the child's head over a basin with the affected eye down and gently pull down the lower lid, encouraging the child to open his or her eyes as wide as possible. For an infant or small child, it's helpful to have a second person hold the child's eyes open while you flush.
* Gently pour a steady stream of lukewarm water (do not heat the water) from a pitcher across the eye. Sterile saline solution can also be used.
* Flush for up to 15 minutes, checking the eye every 5 minutes to see if the foreign body has been flushed out.
* Because a particle can scratch the cornea and cause an infection, the eye should be examined by a doctor if there continues to be any irritation afterward.
* If a foreign body is not dislodged by flushing, it will probably be necessary for a trained medical professional to flush the eye.

Embedded Foreign Body
(an object penetrates the globe of the eye)
* Call for emergency medical help.
* Cover the affected eye. If the object is small, use an eye patch or sterile dressing. If the object is large, cover the injured eye with a small cup taped in place. The point is to keep all pressure off the globe of the eye.
* Keep your child (and yourself) as calm and comfortable as possible until help arrives.

Chemical Exposure
* Many chemicals, even those found around the house, can damage an eye. If your child gets a chemical in the eye and you know what it is, look on the product's container for an emergency number to call for instructions.
* Flush the eye (see above) with lukewarm water for 15 to 30 minutes. If both eyes are affected, flush them in the shower.
* Call for emergency medical help.

Call your local poison control center for specific instructions. Be prepared to give the exact name of the chemical, if you have it. However, do not delay flushing the eye first.

Black Eye, Blunt Injury, or Contusion
A black eye is often a minor injury, but it can also appear when there is significant eye injury or head trauma. A visit to your child's doctor or an eye specialist may be required to rule out serious injury, particularly if you're not certain of the cause of the black eye.

For a black eye:
* Apply cold compresses intermittently: 5 to 10 minutes on, 10 to 15 minutes off. If you use ice, make sure it's covered with a towel or sock to protect the delicate skin on the eyelid. If you aren't at home when the injury occurs and there's no ice available, a cold soda will do to start.
* Use cold compresses for 24 to 48 hours, then switch to applying warm compresses intermittently. This will help the body reabsorb the leakage of blood and may help reduce discoloration.
* If the child is in pain, give acetaminophen - not aspirin or ibuprofen, which can increase bleeding.
* Prop the child's head with an extra pillow at night, and encourage him or her to sleep on the uninjured side of his or her face (pressure can increase swelling).
* Call your child's doctor, who may recommend an in-depth evaluation to rule out damage to the eye. Call immediately if any of the following symptoms are noted:
o increased redness
o drainage from the eye
o persistent eye pain
o any changes in vision
o any visible abnormality of the eyeball
o visible bleeding on the white part (sclera) of the eye, especially near the cornea

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HEAD INJURIES

Head injuries fall into two categories: external (usually scalp) injuries and internal head injuries, which may involve the skull, the blood vessels within the skull, or the brain.

Fortunately, most childhood falls or blows to the head result in injury to the scalp only, which is usually more frightening than threatening. An internal head injury could have more serious implications because the skull serves as the protective helmet for the delicate brain.
External (Scalp) Injury

The scalp is rich with blood vessels, so even a minor cut to the scalp can bleed profusely. The "goose egg" or swelling that may appear on the scalp after a head blow results from the scalp's veins leaking fluid or blood into (and under) the scalp. It may take days or even weeks to disappear.

What to look for and what to do:

* Call your child's doctor if your child is an infant or has lost consciousness, even momentarily, or if your child of any age does any of the following:
o won't stop crying
o complains of head and neck pain
o becomes difficult to console
o isn't walking normally

* If your child is not an infant, has not lost consciousness, and is alert and behaving normally after the fall or blow:
o Apply an ice pack or instant cold pack to the injured area for 20 minutes. If you use ice, always wrap it in a washcloth or sock; ice applied directly to bare skin can cause frostbite damage.
o Observe your child carefully for the next 24 hours. If he or she shows any of the signs of internal injury (see below), call your child's doctor immediately.
o If the incident has occurred close to bedtime or naptime and your child falls asleep soon afterward, check him or her every few hours for twitching limbs or disturbances in color or breathing.
* If color and breathing are normal, and you observe or sense no other abnormalities, let your child sleep (unless your child's doctor has advised otherwise). There's no need to keep a child awake after a head injury.
* If color and/or breathing are abnormal, or if you aren't comfortable with your child's appearance (trust your instincts), arouse your child partially by sitting him or her up. Your child should fuss a bit and attempt to resettle. If he or she doesn't protest, try to awaken your child fully. If your child can't be awakened or shows any signs of internal injury (see below), call your child's doctor or an ambulance.

Suspected Internal Injury

The brain is cushioned by cerebrospinal fluid, but a severe blow to the head may knock the brain into the side of the skull or tear blood vessels. Any internal head injury - fractured skull, torn blood vessels, or damage to the brain itself - can be serious and possibly life threatening.

There are different levels of injury that require different levels of concern. It can be difficult to determine the level of injury, so it's always wise to discuss a head injury with your child's doctor. A clear indicator of a more serious injury is when your child loses consciousness or has signs of confusion.
What to look for and what to do:

Call an ambulance if your child shows any of the following symptoms:
* unconsciousness
* abnormal breathing
* obvious serious wound or fracture
* bleeding or clear fluid from the nose, ear, or mouth
* disturbance of speech or vision
* pupils of unequal size
* weakness or paralysis
* dizziness
* neck pain or stiffness
* seizure
* vomiting more than two to three times
* loss of bladder or bowel control

If your child is unconscious:
* Do not try to move him or her in case of neck or spine injury.
* Call for help.
* If you've been trained inCPR, follow the recommendations if they're appropriate.
* If your child is vomiting or has a seizure, turn him or her on the side while trying to keep the head and neck straight.
* If there's swelling, apply an ice pack or cold pack.

If your child is conscious:
* Do your best to keep him or her calm and still.
* If there's bleeding, apply a sterile dressing (bandage).
* Do not attempt to cleanse the wound, which may aggravate bleeding and/or cause serious complications if the skull is fractured.
* Do not apply direct pressure to the wound if you suspect the skull is fractured.
* Do not remove any object that's stuck in the wound.

Concussions are also considered a type of internal head injury. A concussion is the temporary loss of normal brain function as a result of an injury. Repeated concussions can result in permanent injury to the brain. One of the most common reasons kids get concussions is through sports, so it's important to make sure they wear appropriate protective gear and don't continue to play if they've had a head injury. However, it's possible to get a concussion that's mild and just requires observation.

If your child sustains an injury to the head, watch for the following signs that indicate that he or she may have a concussion:
* seeing stars and feeling dazed, dizzy, or light-headed
* trouble remembering things, such as what happened directly before and after the injury occurred (this can happen even with mild concussions)
* nausea or vomiting
* headaches
* blurred vision and sensitivity to light
* slurred speech or saying things that don't make sense
* difficulty concentrating, thinking, or making decisions
* difficulty with coordination or balance (such as being unable to catch a ball or other easy tasks)
* feeling anxious or irritable for no apparent reason
* feeling overly tired

If you suspect a concussion, call your child's doctor for further instructions.
Preventing Head Injuries

It's impossible to prevent your child from ever being injured, but there are some things you can do to help keep blows to the head at bay. Make sure:

* your home is childproofed to prevent household accidents.
* your child always wears appropriate headgear and safety equipment when biking, in-line skating, skateboarding, snowboarding or skiing, and playing contact sports. (By wearing a bike helmet, for instance, your child can reduce the risk of getting a concussion by about 85%.)
* your child always uses a seat belt or child safety seat.
* your child takes it easy, especially after a concussion, and doesn't go back to rough play or playing sports until the injury has healed. (If your child reinjures the brain during the time it's still healing, it will take even more time to completely heal. Each time a person has a concussion, it does additional damage.)

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NOSEBLEEDS

Although they can be scary, nosebleeds are rarely cause for alarm. Common in kids ages 3 to 10 years, nosebleeds often stop on their own and can be treated safely at home.

What to Do:
* Stay calm and reassure your child.
* Sit your child upright in a chair or in your lap and have your child tilt his or her head slightly forward.
* Gently pinch your child's nose (just below the bony ridge) with a tissue or clean washcloth.
* Keep pressure on your child's nose for about 10 minutes; if you stop too soon, bleeding may start again. It may also help to apply ice wrapped in a paper towel.
* Do not have your child lean back. This may cause blood to flow down the back of the throat, which tastes bad and may initiate gagging, coughing, or vomiting.
* Have your child to rest for a while after a nosebleed. Discourage blowing, picking, rubbing, and any rough play.

Call your child's doctor if your child:
* has frequent nosebleeds
* may have put something in his or her nose
* tends to bruise easily
* has heavy bleeding from minor wounds or bleeding from another place, such as the gums
* recently started taking new medicine

Seek emergency medical care or call your child's doctor if bleeding:
* is heavy, or is accompanied by dizziness or weakness
* is the result of a fall or blow to the head
* continues after two attempts of applying pressure for 10 minutes each

Preventing Future Nosebleeds
Most nosebleeds are caused by zealous blowing or picking, or a blow to the nose during rough play. In the wintertime, especially, if your child's bed is near a heater, the membranes inside the nose can become dried and itchy, causing your child to pick at his or her nose and further irritate the nasal tissue. Colds, other viruses, and allergies may also irritate the lining of the nose.

To help prevent your child from getting nosebleeds:
* Keep your child's nails short to prevent picking.
* Keep the inside of your child's nose moist with saline nasal spray or dab petroleum jelly gently around the opening of the nostrils.
* Humidify your child's room with a vaporizer (or humidifier) if the air in your home is dry. You can buy a cool mist or hot steam (also called warm mist) model. If you go with the hot steam kind, make sure to keep it out of your child's reach to avoid scalding. It's also important to keep vaporizers clean to prevent mildew.
* Make sure your child wears protective athletic equipment when participating in sports that could cause injury to the nose.

Even when taking proper precautions, your child may still get a bloody nose occasionally. But the next time your child gets a nosebleed, try not to panic. They're usually harmless and are almost always easy to stop.

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INSECT STINGS & BITES
The two greatest risks from most insect stings and bites are allergic reaction (which may occasionally be fatal) and infection (more likely and less serious).

What to Do:
Bee, Wasp, Hornet, and Yellow Jacket Stings
* A bee will leave behind a stinger attached to a venom sac. Try to remove it as quickly as possible. One way is to gently scrape it out with a blunt-edged object, such as a credit card or a dull knife.
* Wash the area carefully with soap and water. Do this two to three times a day until the skin is healed.
* Apply a cold pack, an ice pack wrapped in a cloth, or a cold, wet washcloth for a few minutes.
* Give acetaminophen for pain.
* For pain and itching, give an over-the-counter oral antihistamine, if your child's doctor says it's OK; follow dosage instructions for your child's age and weight. You could also apply a corticosteroid cream or calamine lotion to the sting area.
* A sting anywhere in the mouth warrants immediate medical attention. That's because stings in the mucous membranes of the mouth can quickly cause severe swelling that may block airways. You should seek medical care if you note a large skin rash, a large area of swelling around the sting site, or if swelling or pain persists for more than 72 hours. You should seek immediate medical care if you notice any of the following signs, which may indicate a serious or even potentially life-threatening allergic reaction:
o wheezing or difficulty breathing
o tightness in throat or chest
o swelling of the lips
o dizziness or fainting
o nausea or vomiting

Spider Bites
The black widow and the brown recluse (or violin) spider are found in warm climates.

* Wash the area carefully with soap and water. Do this two to three times a day until skin is healed.
* Apply cool compresses.
* Give acetaminophen for pain.
* To protect against infection, apply an antibiotic ointment and keep the child's hands washed.
* If you have any reason to suspect your child has been bitten by a black widow or brown recluse spider, apply ice to the bite site and head for the emergency room. Symptoms include:
o a deep blue or purple area around the bite, surrounded by a whitish ring and a large outer red ring
o body rash
o muscle spasms, tightness, and stiffness
o abdominal pain
o headache or fever
o general feeling of sickness
o lack of appetite
o joint pain
o nausea or vomiting

Check your children and pets for ticks carefully after you've been in or around a wooded area. Common types of ticks include dog ticks.

If you find a tick on your child:

* Call your child's doctor. The doctor may want you to save the tick after removal (you can put it in a jar of alcohol to kill it).
* Use tweezers to grasp the tick firmly at its head or mouth, next to your child's skin.
* Pull firmly and steadily on the tick until it lets go, then swab the bite site with alcohol.
* Don't use petroleum jelly or a lit match to kill and remove a tick.

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BLEEDING
Most small cuts don't present any danger to your child. But bleeding from large cuts may require immediate medical treatment. Depending on the type of wound and its location, there can be damage to tendons and nerves.

What to Do:
For Minor Bleeding From a Small Cut or Abrasion (Scrape):
* Rinse the wound thoroughly with water to clean out dirt and debris.
* Then wash the wound with a mild soap and rinse thoroughly. (For minor wounds, it isn't necessary to use an antiseptic solution to prevent infection, and some can cause allergic skin reactions.)
* Cover the wound with a sterile adhesive bandage or sterile gauze and adhesive tape.
* Examine the wound daily. If the bandage gets wet, remove it and apply a new one. After the wound forms a scab, a bandage is no longer necessary.
* Call your child's doctor if the wound is red, swollen, tender, warm, or draining pus.

For Bleeding From a Large Cut or Laceration:
* Wash the wound thoroughly with water. This will allow you to see the wound clearly and assess its size.
* Place a piece of sterile gauze or a clean cloth over the entire wound. If available, use clean latex or rubber gloves to protect yourself from exposure to possible infection from the blood of a child who isn't your own. If you can, raise the bleeding body part above the level of your child's heart. Do not apply a tourniquet.
* Using the palm of your hand on the gauze or cloth, apply steady, direct pressure to the wound for 5 minutes. (During the 5 minutes, do not stop to check the wound or remove blood clots that may form on the gauze.)
* If blood soaks through the gauze, do not remove it. Apply another gauze pad on top and continue applying pressure.
* Call your child's doctor or seek immediate medical attention for all large cuts or lacerations, or if:
o you're unable to stop the bleeding after 5 minutes of pressure, or if the wound begins bleeding again (continue applying pressure until help arrives)
o you're unable to clean out dirt and debris thoroughly, or there' s something else stuck in the wound
o the wound is on your child's face or neck
o the injury was caused by an animal or human bite, burn, electrical injury, or puncture wound (e.g., a nail)
o the cut is more than half an inch long or appears to be deep - large or deep wounds can result in nerve or tendon damage

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BROKEN BONES, SPRAINS & STRAINS
A broken (fractured) bone requires emergency care. Suspect a possible broken bone if your child heard or felt a bone snap, if your child has difficulty moving the injured part, or if the injured part moves in an unnatural way or is very painful to the touch.

A sprain occurs when the ligaments, which hold bones together, are overstretched and partially torn. Simply overstretching any part of the musculature is called a strain. Sprains and strains generally cause swelling and pain, and there may be bruises around the injured area. Most sprains, after proper medical evaluation, can be treated at home.

What to Do:
For a Suspected Broken Bone:
* If the injury involves your child's neck or back, do not move him unless the child is in imminent danger. Movement can cause serious nerve damage. Phone for emergency medical help. If your child must be moved, the neck and back must be completely immobilized first. Keeping your child's head, neck, and back in alignment, move the child as a unit.
* If your child has an open break (bone protrudes through the skin) and there is severe bleeding, apply pressure on the bleeding area with a gauze pad or a clean piece of clothing or other material. Do not wash the wound or try to push back any part of the bone that may be sticking out.
* If your child must be moved, apply splints around the injured limb to prevent further injury. Leave the limb in the position you find it. The splints should be applied in that position. Splints can be made by using boards, brooms, a stack of newspapers, cardboard, or anything firm, and can be padded with pillows, shirts, towels, or anything soft. Splints must be long enough to extend beyond the joints above and below the fracture.
* Place cold packs or a bag of ice wrapped in cloth on the injured area.
* Keep your child lying down until medical help arrives.

For a Suspected Sprain or Strain:
* If the injury involves your child's neck or back, do not move him unless the child is in imminent danger. Movement can cause serious nerve damage. Phone for emergency medical help. If your child must be moved, the neck and back must be completely immobilized first. Keeping the head, neck, and back in alignment, move your child as a unit.
* It may be difficult to tell the difference between a sprain and a break. If there is any doubt whatsoever, phone your child's doctor or take your child to the nearest hospital emergency department. An X-ray can determine whether a bone is broken.
* First aid for sprains and strains includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (known as RICE).
o Rest the injured part of the body.
o Apply ice packs or cold compresses for up to 10 or 15 minutes at a time every few hours for the first 2 days to prevent swelling.
o Wearing an elastic compression bandage (such as an ACE bandage) for at least 2 days will reduce swelling.
o Keep the injured part elevated above the level of the heart as much as possible to reduce swelling.
* Do not apply heat in any form for at least 24 hours. Heat increases swelling and pain.
* Your child's doctor may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

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i hope this is useful in "hopefully I'll never practice but thank goodness I know some knowledge."