Taking Care of Infants

  • Receiving or small blankets are excellent for creating a barrier between a young infant and the airborne bacteria and viruses.
      • The baby should be wrapped in two blankets; the inner blanket is considered the clean blanket, the outer blanket is the barrier.
      • The outer blanket can be changed easily if there is an exposure.
      • Carry several clean blankets; this will allow you to change the outer blanket anytime you feel it is no longer clean. The outer blankets are then cleaned normally in the laundry and are ready to be reused.
  • Bath time is an excellent time for a skin and nail check. Look for nails that need to be trimmed to prevent infection from scratches. Check for scratches, cuts, inflammation, or infection. Check under arms, on hands, face, knees. Boys: check penis, scrotum, and rectal area. Girls: check labia and rectal area.
  • In the case of persistent diaper rash it may be necessary to see your doctor who may refer you to a dermatologist to determine if the rash is caused by bacteria or may be fungal or Both.