Newborn Sleep Safety Tips

Here are some tips on newborns and sleep.

1. No Co-Sleeping!!! Do not bring your baby to bed with you. This can potentially be tragic. Babies can suffocate on the covers, pillows, or blankets. There is also a higher incidence for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Place a Pack 'n Play next to your bed and have the newborn sleep there instead.

2. Develop a routine from the beginning. It may take several weeks but it will help in the long run!

3. No plush toys, pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals in the crib.

4. Bumper pads are questionable. If it is used, keep it tightly secured.

5. Babies need to be placed on their backs to sleep. This has reduced the incidence of SIDS dramatically.

6. Check the crib bars. The bars should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart, so that babies can't get their heads caught between them.

7. The mattress should fit snug onto the crib. There should be no more than a 1½ inch (4 centimeter) gap between it and the side or end of the crib. Also use a firm mattress.

8. No items with strings, cords, or ties should be in the crib.

9. Do not have the baby sleep in a room where there is tobacco use.

10. Do not overheat the baby. Dress the baby in light clothing and keep the temperature comfortable. Do not over-bundle.

11. Use fitted sheets for the mattress.

Interesting fact: Newborns sleep on average about 16 hours per day!

Thank you and have a nice day!

Chiggers, Chiggers, Please Go Away...

Chiggers are a type of mite in the Trombiculidae family which live in forests, fields, gardens, or areas with nearby lakes. They are also called red bugs, jiggers, berry bugs, and harvest mites. They tend to infect hunters, farmers, and fishermen, but anyone outdoors can be exposed. An interesting fact is the Spanish Moss on the trees in Savannah are inhabited by chiggers, so beware when walking through the squares.

Chiggers do not actually bite but inject enzymes to feed on the skin resulting in the itchy rash. They do not burrow under the skin but instead attach on top of it. The severe itch typically occurs within 24-48 hours. The rash and itch resolves with time, usually within two weeks.

Here are some tips for treatment:

1. Take a shower as soon as possible to wash away the chiggers.

2. Apply a steroid cream such as hydrocortisone to relieve the itching.

3. Calamine lotion can also help with the itch.

4. Oral Benadryl can also help with the itch.

5. Use insect repellent.

6. Keep the lawns cut low. Chiggers love high weeds/grass.

7. Don't forget to wash the clothes.

8. Some people have reported success with clear nail polish on the areas. In theory, it should not work but it can not hurt to try.

9. Watch for signs of infection.

10. If the rash/itch worsens, contact your health care professional for stronger steroids or possible antibiotics.

Have a great summer!