Pediatric Care Services

a) BABY CORD CARE

The umbilical cord usually falls off between 5-10 days. Till the cord falls, the cord should be cleaned once a day with spirit, alcohol or Eau de Cologne. Neosporin/ Nebasulf / Soframycin Powder need to be sprinkled over the cord - if the cord is infected. Infection is likely when there is pus, fluid discharge or redness around the cord. Dr. Sidhartha Shirsath - Pediatrician and Neonatologist in Ambegaon Budruk , katraj Pune

b) BABY EYE CARE

A bit of mucus collection is normal and only needs to be wiped with boiled water and cotton wool. A persistently sticky eye with redness indicates conjunctivitis. This may be treated with eye drops e.g. Soframycin / Gentamicin / Tobramycin eye drops) eye drop to be instilled, 4 times a day till recovery.

Persistent eye discharge particularly if it is from one eye is often due to a blocked tear duct. This is treated by massaging the site where the tear duct is located i.e. between the eye and the root of the nose. This helps to open up the tear duct. If the eye discharge persists despite putting eye drops, please consult your doctor.

Kajal / surma application is best avoided because of the risk of injury or infection to the eye.

If the mouth is thickly coated, glycerin may be used to clean the mouth. A persistent white curdy coating often indicates a fungal infection (thrush) and requires treatment with anti-fungal lotion (e.g. Candid Mouth Paint).

d) BABY NOSE CARE

A nose block or a stuffy nose is common and normal in a young infant. You do not need to clean the nose routinely.

If the nose is stuffy and it bothers the baby, this may be relieved by instillation of normal saline nose drops, made by adding a quarter teaspoon of salt in a cup of drinking (boiled& cooled) water.

Saline drops are commercially available as 'Nasomist' or 'Nasoclear' nose drops.

e) BABY EAR CARE

Routine cleaning of the ears is not required. Use of an Ear Bud is not recommended and can be harmful. If a lot of wax accumulates in the ears, you could put Soliwax / Waxolve Ear Drops, 1 drop twice daily for 2-3 days.

f) BABY NAPPY CARE

Use of cotton diapers is advisable. Cotton diapers need to be washed with a simple detergent or soap.

Pampers are convenient but expensive and in general their use is best restricted for an outing or an occasional night.

Babies are at higher risk of developing nappy rashes with pampers because they tend to trap the heat and humidity in the nappy area. Nappy rash creams (e.g. siloderm or rash free or zinc-castor oil or Vaseline) are occasionally necessary to prevent or treat simple nappy rashes. If the rash is severe and spreads to the thighs, it may indicate a fungal infection and will require treatment with an antifungal cream like Clotrimazole / Miconazole Cream.

Keep the nappy area clean and dry to avoid rashes

Dr. Sidharth's clinic provided exceptional care for my child's allergies. The holistic approach and friendly environment made all the difference in our experience.

Priya Sharma

★★★★★