Prevention is better than cure when it comes to mosquitoes in monsoon. Come monsoons and you are sure to have a new concern - how to protect your little one from getting bitten by mosquitoes especially since mosquitoes are known to cause a whole lot of serious illnesses during this particular season - malaria, dengue, encephalitis, to name a few. It becomes imperative that you take all necessary precautions. Here are some tips for you:
• Dusk and dawn are the peak times when mosquitoes are most active. Avoid taking your baby outdoors during these times. If you must, make sure she is well covered from head to toe.
• Apply an insect repellant on the exposed part of your baby’s skin but avoid the hands (as babies tend to put their hands in their mouth) and areas around the eyes and mouth.
• Consult your paediatrician before you choose the repellant. Most repellants contain high amounts of DEET, which is not considered too safe for children below the age of two months as it gets absorbed through the skin. However, a repellent with as little as 10 per cent concentration of DEET is usually considered safe.
• Dress your baby in light coloured clothes when you go out as dark colours capture heat to attract mosquitoes.
Avoid areas that are inhabited by mosquitoes and other insects like gardens, dark alleys, cinema halls et cetera.
• Make sure there isn’t any source of stagnant water in and around your house like water coolers, open drains, pot holes, discarded car tyres et cetera.
If your baby does get bitten and her skin appears red and swollen, apply a little bit of calamine lotion for relief.
Bunk bed safety...
Beds that stack, one above the other, can be a great way to save space in homes. Parents often choose bunk beds for their kids, thinking that they’re also a fun option. Some put study tables underneath the top level. Others have sibling sleeping below.
But unfortunately many children have been badly hurt by falls from the upper bunks. Often, kids were playing, jumping and climbing between the different levels when injuries occurred. Also, children’s heads have become caught between guard rails and the wall, or in mattresses.
In foreign countries, safety guidelines have been developed to prevent these injuries. They suggest:
• The top bunk has guard rails on all four sides of the bed. The rails should be at least 13 cm (5 inches) above the mattress surface.
• The mattress should fit tightly. The bed frame should be solid, not wobbly. A ladder should be properly bolted to the bed.
• They recommend never putting a child younger than six years old on a top bunk, or even allowing them to play up there.
• Have kids always use the ladder when climbing. Allow just one child on top at a time.n
