Advice on keeping your little ones healthy with tips on vaccinations and dieases in Hong Kong.
General Tips
For colic or wind, try pushing his/her knees into the baby’s tummy and hold for 10 sec then stretch his legs out while gently bouncing them this will help relax its tummy and move any gas. Also use a gentle bicycle motion with its legs into the tummy. Gripe Juice from Bumps to Babes also helps.
For constipation, try giving more doses of water. If that doesn’t have undiluted/fresh orange juice or prune juice normally works. Also regular milk (Full fat) seems to help at breakfast time.
Most babies experience diarrhea at some point during the growing-up cycle. Babies can poo as often as 5 times per day or as little as 1 time per 5 days. A change of diet can help but if the symtoms persist is best to seek medical attention.
For teething, try baby bongela or calgel – both available from Bumps to Babes. A frozen cloth or teething ring can also sooth the effected area.
Allergies
A HK based Pediatric Allergologist would be the best perons to contact. An allergen can trigger asthma is usually triggered by allergens, so is best to avoid these allergens to minimise attacks.
Baby Dentist
Normally a baby should have a dental checkup between 12-18. It’s been recommended that when a baby shows signs of teeth erupting, then a toothbrush and baby toothpaste (with low flouride) should be used at least one time a day, preferably before the last sleep of the day. The following site may be useful as it shows baby teeth eruption patterns:
Tooth Eruption Patterns Web Site
Nappy Changing
Nappy changing should be made often and the routine should involve baby wipes, drying off and then cream and diaper. Allowing air on the genitals and not applying a nappy/diaper straight away can help red sores. In the case of an extreme rash , a zinc heavy cream such as Desitin from Watson’s stores should help.
Vaccinations
Most hospitals give the following vaccinations which are required thoughout the baby’s cycle. The B.C.G is the only vaccination that leaves a permanent mark -
New Born
B.C.G. Vaccine
Polio Type I
Hepatitis B Vaccine – First dose
1 Month Old
Hepatitis B Vaccine – Second dose
2-4 Months Old
DPT Vaccine (Diphtheria, Pertussis & Tetanus) – First Dose
Polio Trivalent – First Dose
3-5 Months Old
DPT Vaccine (Diphtheria, Pertussis & Tetanus) – Second Dose
4-6 Months Old
DPT Vaccine (Diphtheria, Pertussis & Tetanus) – Third Dose
Polio Trivalent – Second Dose
6 months
Hepatitis B Vaccine – Third Dose
1 Year Old
MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps & Rubella) – First Dose
1-1/2 Year Old
DPT Vaccine (Diphtheria, Pertussis & Tetanus) – Booster Dose
Polio Trivalent – Booster Dose
Extra Vaccinations/Boosters
Primary 1 DT Vaccine (Diphtheria & Tetanus) – Booster Dose
Polio Trivalent – Booster Dose
MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps & Rubella) – Second Dose
Primary 6 DT Vaccine (Diphtheria & Tetanus) – Booster Dose
Polio Trivalent – Booster Dose