Baby Care Information & Advice

Keeping your baby safe is one of the greatest concerns of any new parent. The numerous newspaper headlines of babies being rushed off to hospital after being involved in accidents involving toys does not help new parent’s confidence. What new parents have got to do is take care when they buy their new baby toys and be careful how they treat them in the house.

They are now greatly aided by new EU regulations that have placed rigid rules on toy manufactures. This has resulted in the actual safety of the toy itself greatly improving and now moving the emphasis on toy use safety back onto the parent. A new parent’s major concern over baby toy safety should be focused on the suitability of the toy for the baby.

New regulations clearly state on each toy what age range the toy is suitable for. The danger now lies in the parent providing a toy that is unsuitable for their age range. A good example of this is when the baby has an elder sibling and has access to their toys that are inadvertently left lying around.

When buying new baby toys all new parents should check that the item has a CE mark or Lion Mark. If the product carries one of these marks the parent can have the assurance that the toys are manufactured in line with a strict set of criteria’s. Parents must be cautious of toys that do not carry these marks. They should assume that they are totally unsuitable and as such are not safe for the baby. A good example of such items is usually cheap toys available at market stalls or prizes at fair grounds.

The new parents should also check carefully the quality of the toy. Be especially vigilant when looking for small parts that might easily become detached. This is especially important if the baby is under three years of age. The danger lies in the baby trying to swallow the loose bits which may result in them chocking to death.

It is widely accepted that you should never give a baby under the age of three any toys that are less than 35mm. Again if swallowed these may again result in the baby chocking. Other things to watch out for are balloons. Many parents make the mistake of allowing their babies to play with balloons without any thought for the consequences of the balloon bursting and the baby then swallowing it.

Parents should also be vigilant of grandparents wheeling out their old favourite toys. One of the classic examples of this is the game of marbles. Years ago marbles were popular for young children before people became aware of their potential dangers. Many grandparents still have their old marble sets and allow babies to play with them without realising the potentially fatal consequences.

Other areas that should be watched out for are toys with ribbons attached as again the baby may chew on it and choke. Also try to avoid allowing babies access to toys with magnetic parts and regularly check that the toys are in good condition. Basically use good common sense and good housekeeping techniques.

A good source of advice and common sense is other parents. They will have already gone through the learning curve that you are about to experience and most will readily share their experiences and advice with you. Also remember that the toy is for the baby and not for you. Many new dads make the mistake of buying a toy that they would like and not what is suitable for the baby.

It is indeed daunting to realize that once a baby arrives, not only does your laundry chore doubles, but you need to make arrangements to shield off the tender skin of our baby from harsh clothes. Fabric softeners for baby clothing then becomes a necessity.

It may be reassuring to know it is not always necessary to use a baby detergent for your baby’s clothes. Because a baby detergent does not always get rid of stains and odors on your baby’s clothing as you’d like, it may be better you switch to some other detergent.

Switching on to fabric softener

Before switching to a fabric softener, make sure to test one article of clothing first. Unless your baby has allergies, eczema, atopic dermatitis, or other conditions affecting your baby’s sensitive skin, liquid detergents meant exclusively for babies are your best bet because they work for all types of clothes. But if there seems to be some irritation, you can still try using a fabric softener detergent that does not contain colors or fragrances.

Why Fabric Softeners?

• Better than an ordinary baby detergent that only washes because they come with choices to meet the need of your baby’s sensitive skin. Fabric softeners come in two types: sheets and liquids; they also come in scented as well as fragrance-free options.

• Fabric softeners give fabrics a softer feel and help reduce static cling (particularly useful for synthetics and permanent press items).

• They are designed to make clothes feel softer and smoother, and at the same time reduce wrinkles in clothing and mitigate the need to iron.

How to Use Fabric Softeners

• Liquid fabric softeners: Add liquid fabric softener during your washing machine’s final rinse cycle for enhanced softening. Make sure there is water in the machine when you add the softener; however, avoid overfilling the washing machine. Staining may result if a fabric softener is poured directly on the clothes. And most importantly, keep your baby’s fabric softener in an environment where it will not freeze; freezing leads to thickening of the liquid fabric softener.

• Fabric softener sheets: While using sheets, it is always advisable to add them just before you start your drier. The drier’s heat activates the softening properties of fabric softener sheets. Staining might result if you allow a fabric sheet to sit in a wet load of clothing.

Remember to avoid washing your little one’s clothes with the rest of the family’s clothes; the harsh detergents are likely to irritate your baby’s skin (most common of them, diaper rash). All said, remember to always read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them; also look for any special cleaning instructions that may appear on the labels of your baby’s clothing. Following these will ensure soft, fluffy clothes for your baby’s comfort.