Cradle Cap Remedies

SPLASHY TUB BATHS

Bath time is becoming the highlight of the baby's day, and you've probably been giving him tub baths for several weeks. Although the navel has healed, it is still important to clean the recesses of the navel during each bath.

Remember, if Baby's skin is very dry, skip the daily bail. and bathe him when the condition of his skin permits.
 

CARE OF THE GENITALIA

If your baby is a girl, separate the folds of the vulva and clean with a little cotton which you've dipped in clear water.

Even though your little boy has been circumcised, the fore-skin may adhere to the base of the head of the penis. If the fold falls onto the head of the penis, retract it gently and clean gently with soap and water.

CRADLE CAP REMEDIES

At about 6 weeks, a crust, called "cradle cap", may form on the scalp. There are various cradle cap remedies. The simplest way to control it is to massage a little oil into the scalp; leave it on overnight, brush the hair thoroughly in the morning, and then shampoo. Use a brush with medium-texture bristles. If they're too soft, they're useless, and if they're too firm, they'll scratch the baby's scalp.

Shampoo with hexachlorophene will also control "cradle cap."

Frequently a crust forms because Mother is afraid to touch the "soft spot" on top of Baby's head. Touching it won't
hurt the baby. In fact, it is almost essential.

SUNBATHS

In suitable weather, the baby will certainly enjoy being outside. "Suitable weather" will have to be interpreted by your own good judgment. Even in many localities with severe winters, a baby can be uncovered to the sun on a south porch, protected from the wind, around the last of March. the warmth of the baby's flesh can be your criterion as to his comfort. If he feels warm to the touch, he's all right, even the day may seem a bit chilly to you.

At first, he shouldn't be left in the direct sunlight for more than a few minutes. As he becomes more and more accustomed to the sunshine, you can increase his period in the sun to 30 or 40 minutes daily. When he's on his back in the sun, shield his eyes with a peaked cap. On extremely hot days, he should get his sunbath early in the morning or later on in the afternoon.

CARE DURING HOT WEATHER

During hot weather, keep the house cool and well ventilated. By all means, keep the windows open and use a fan, but it's not necessary to put the baby in the direct flow of air from either fan or window.
 

When the temperature hits 85 or 90 degrees, remove the baby's shirt—his diaper's plenty of cover in hot weather. A bath in lukewarm water several times a day will certainly help make the baby feel more comfortable.

The best treatment for heat rash is prevention. If the baby is reasonably dressed, your home is kept as comfortable a possible, and the baby is bathed occasionally during the day heat rash won't be much of a problem.

If it does develop, short periods in the early morning or lat afternoon sunshine will be very helpful in clearing the rash Cornstarch or one of the commercial products for heat rash also give some comfort and seem to improve the rash.

Don't get alarmed if the baby's appetite seems to decline a little during hot weather. Yours does too! Offer him cooled boiled water several times during the day. If his body need' the water, he'll take it. If he refuses it, don't force it on him.

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