Category: Health

Vitmain supplements

Government health guidance in the UK says that children aged 6 months to 5 years should be given vitamin supplements in the form of drops to boost their levels of vitamins A, C and D. We look at why.

 

Vitamin D

This is a difficult vitamin to get from food alone and in the winter the UK doesn’t usually get enough sunlight to cover our needs. Using sun cream and covering up in the summer also prevents us from storing vitamin D which means many people are deficient. Vitamin D deficiency affects bone development, causing problems such as rickets.

 

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is important for a strong immune system, healthy skin and vision. It’s found in dairy products, carrots (so they really do help you see in the dark), sweet potato, swede, mango and dark green vegetables like broccoli and spinach. If you have or care for a fussy eater, or notice that your child is often poorly, then a vitamin supplement might help.

 

Vitamin C

A bit of a wonder-vitamin, getting enough vitamin C is important for general good health, boosting your immune system and helping the body absorb iron. It’s mostly found in fresh fruit and veg, which is why sailors used to get a vitamin C deficiency disease called scurvy. Most people know that oranges are a great source of vitamin C but there are also high levels in kiwi, tomatoes and peppers.

 

A vitamin supplement should never replace a healthy, balanced diet which contains lots of fruit and veg, but it can give children the extra boost they need if they aren’t meeting their daily requirements from diet alone. Supplements come in many forms, as syrups and as chewy sweets. Your Health Visitor or pharmacist will be able to advise which supplements are best for your child.

Tummy time

‘Tummy time’ can be a daunting prospect. It’s drummed into parents and childcare professionals alike that babies must sleep on their backs and that leaving an infant on their front is risky. But eqaully tummy time is vital to help babies develop strong neck and back muscles from the start and to prevent flat spots which can develop when too much time is spent lying on their back.

The concept of tummy time is simple. You pop baby on their front on a playmat or blanket covering a hard surface and allow them to try to lift their head at first, eventually pushing up with their arms and finally onto all fours so they can crawl. In practice many infants dislike tummy time at first and older babies can get frustrated. Tummy time doesn’t need to last for ours, or even minutes, to be effective right at the start. Even 15 seconds once a day gives a newborn the chance to move their head from side to side, and you can build up gradually. It’s often reassuring to keep a hand on their back so even when they can’t see you they still have that comforting contact. If a baby starts to cry or show signs of frustration or distress then it’s a sign that tummy time is over.

 

As they grow and become aware of their surroundings you can play games while they lie on their tummies. Try shifting position relative to their head and saying their name – they should look around to locate you. Another big hit once they can push themselves up a little is a child-safe mirror propped up in front of them. They will be fascinated by the other baby that they see there. Lie on the floor in front of them and make faces – anything that keeps them amused also gives them time to strengthen those important muscles.

 

Mix things up by altering the place you put baby down. Change the angle of elevation if you have a firm pillow or nursing cushion – put it under their torso with their arms in front. This can be really good for babies suffering from reflux as it keeps them slightly upright. You can also do very short bursts, for example after blowing a raspberry on their tummy when changing their nappy quickly roll them over to blow a few on their back too.

 

To encourage a baby to reach out and eventually crawl put a favourite toy just in front of them and allow them to grab it and pull it closer. as they grow place the toy further away as an incentive to get on the move. Crawling can also be easier if you remove unnecessary or constricting clothes before tummy time, just make sure the room is nice and warm.

 

Tummy time can be done anwhere – inside, upstairs, downstairs, outside on grass or sand – as often and for as long as you like. The most important thing to make it fun and give your baby a chance to develop.

 

 

 

 

Chickenpox

Springtime is often chickenpox time. This common childhood disease, usually found in children aged 4-10, causes itchy spots to appear all over the body and is highly contagious, but unfortunately has a 10-21 day incubation period and a 1-2 day period where there are no symtoms, meaning it spreads very easily. The virus can be airborne, in droplets from coughs and sneezes, and found in the liquid that fills the blisters of the characteristic rash. Signs usually appear 10 days after exposure but it can be as long as 3 weeks.

 

Children may feel unwell or irritable, have a fever or achy muscles and lose their appetite. The rash usually appears first on the inside of the mouth and at the back of the throat before covering the head and body. It starts as small red pinpicks which turn to fluid filled blisters within 10-12 hours. The itchy blisters then scab over but more may appear for up to 5 days.

 

There is no cure for chickenpox, although there is a vaccine available, but most parents prefer to let their children catch it. The only thing you can do is try to relieve itching and prevent complications such as infection that come from scratching. The most common remedy is calamine lotion which is applied to the spots. It’s a good idea to cut nails short or wear gloves to make it difficult to scratch. Other remedies are filling a sock or pair of tights with porridge oats and putting it in the bath or adding sodium bicarbonate to the bathwater. If the rash doesn’t heal after a week or some spots appear to be growing an infection may have set in such as impetigo. Children often don’t feel like eating or drinking because the inside of their mouth is sore so offer plain or fruit ice lollies to soothe and combat dehydration.

 

It’s unusual for adults to catch chicken pox as most people have had it in childhood, but the virus can cause shingles so good hygiene is vital. Wash your hands frequently and bleach surfaces

 

The frustrating thing about chickenpox is often being cooped up indoors. It is very contagious and although often mild in children it can be serious in pregnant women and the elderly so going out and about is not advised. Children often feel perfectly well apart from the itching and find being kept inside frustrating. Sensory play can be a great way to distract children from the itching and incorporate treatment. Why not try body art with calamine lotion or water play in a soothing bath? Keeping hands busy gives them less chance to scratch and as it’s springtime get a head start on Easter with 9 nifty Easter activities or check out some previous suggestions for rainy day play.

Measles

What is measles

Measles is a viral disease which used to be very common in childhood. It is highly contagious, particularly among children. There have been recent outbreaks in Wales, spreading into Gloucestershire, and in Yorkshire.

What are the symptoms

The first symptoms of measles are similar to a cold – runny nose, sneezing, red and watery eyes. It may be accompanied by a dry cough. A child may also be sensitive to light, have a temperature, be generally tired, irritable and achey, and have little appetite.

Measles has a red/brown spotty rash which often starts behind the ears and spreads over the head, body and legs. You can find a picture of it on the NHS slideshow. This rash in conjunction with a very high temperature (over 100F°) and small greyish spots inside the mouth are key indicators for measles.

Why is it serious

Measles can cause other complications, such as vomiting and diahorrhea, conjunctivitis, laryngitis, ear infections and febrile seizures.

Less common, but more serious complications include pneumonia, bronchitis, croup, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), meningitis and hepatitis. Rare but very serious complications are infection of the optic nerve, which causes blindness, heart and lung problems, and a rare brain complication, which is fatal.

How can you treat it

There is nothing that can be done to treat measles itself. Any secondary infections may be treated with antibiotics. The best thing to do is to treat the symptoms individually.

  • Keep children hydrated and at a comfortable temperature. Use paediatric paracetemol or ibuprofen to relieve pain and fever.
  • If a child has a cough then humidify the room using a bowl of water. A drink of honey and lemon may help but this shouldn’t be given to babies under 12 months, as honey is not suitable for them.
  • Keep light levels low but closing curtains and using night lights instead of the main lighting in a room.
  • Clean sore and gunky eyes with cotton wool and warm water. Remember to throw away each ball as you use it so you don’t spread infection.

How can you prevent it

The only sure way to prevent measles is by vaccinating against it. This is usually done with the MMR jab which requires 2 injections at least 3 months apart, usually the first given between 12 and 13 months and another between 3 and 5 years old. If you need urgent protection because of an outbreak in your area or because you are travelling abroad an additional dose can be given to children under 12 months. Premature babies may have a special vaccination schedule.

As a nanny it’s important to make sure you are immunised against measles. If you are in any doubt whether you are immune or whether you need to be vaccinated, ask your doctor for a blood test, explaining that you work with young children and potentially pregnant women too.