9 common diaper changing mistakes first-time parents make

9 common diaper changing mistakes first-time parents make

Babies bring just as much responsibility as joy into one’s life, and no one knows this better than first-time parents. Diaper changes are among the most challenging duties associated with baby care. Though it might seem relatively easy, there are some blunders new parents unintentionally make that may end up being hurtful or, at times, even dangerous for the child. Some common diaper-changing mistakes parents make, and ways to avoid them are listed below.

Using a bed instead of a changing table
Soft surfaces like beds make it more challenging to hold your infant steady. A child may also pee in the middle of changing, leading to a bigger mess. Therefore, it is better to use a level surface, like the floor or a changing table, which is easier to clean.

Not having a designated space for changing
A baby is more vulnerable to infections during a diaper change. So having a designated place ensures good hygiene and the baby’s safety. In case of emergencies, it’s advisable to disinfect the space before taking on the task. Spread a plastic mat in the area to minimize the mess.

Avoiding diaper change when it isn’t soiled
Even if a diaper is seemingly clean and dry, it’s advisable to change it every two to three hours. The baby’s skin is soft, and the friction from the diaper may lead to discomfort or irritation.

Leaving the room while changing
If the doorbell or phone rings, it’s normal to turn away from the baby, but it’s best to avoid doing so if the infant is on the changing table. It is essential to prevent accidents if the baby rolls over and tumbles off the table while you are away.

Not keeping the supplies handy
Ensure the changing station is equipped with all cleaning and changing essentials to avoid leaving your baby alone while you look for them.

Not carrying a distraction for the child
Babies often get restless due to the wetness in the diaper while changing. Too much movement while in wet diapers may lead to rashes. Therefore, always carry a toy or sippy cup that keeps the baby distracted and still during the diaper change.

Not cleaning and moisturizing properly
Do not rub the baby while cleaning. Instead, use a soft cloth and pat dry to avoid skin rashes. Moisturizing the baby thoroughly will help prevent itchiness and dryness. Use only a mild anti-rash cream or moisturizer. A mild dermatologically-approved talcum powder after moisturizing can also help the baby feel fresh and dry for a long time. Alternatively, cleaning the baby from back to front might seem more manageable, but that can make them vulnerable to infections. Therefore, it’s advisable to clean from front to back.

Ignoring umbilical stump
A baby’s belly button carries a fragment of the umbilical cord for a while, which falls off naturally. Ensure you do not cover the area with a diaper or accidentally pull it off before it’s healed. To avoid this, you can opt for foldable diapers or give an opening for them separately.

Using a diaper of the wrong size
Babies outgrow their clothes and diapers quickly, and using an undersized diaper may lead to chafing. Use the appropriate size to ensure the baby doesn’t feel uncomfortable.

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Coping with urges that can trigger a relapse post treatment

Addictions when left untreated can turn into crippling conditions. One can be addicted to smoking, binge drinking, or even shopping. Once addicted, one willfully submits to urges, despite having satisfied them before. However, addictions can be managed and to a great extent treated to full recovery. But, the post-recovery phase is crucial where both the mind and body are put to test and can trigger a relapse. Continue reading to know more about the most common triggers for addictions and how to deal with them.Stress Stress is commonly the root cause of many problems and addictions, both physical and psychological. One can become an addict as a way to manage the stress that may stem from strained relationships or priorities. The best way to avoid a relapse during recovery is to make lifestyle changes that don’t trigger a return to addictions amidst a stressful situation. One can practice mindfulness, engage in relaxation techniques, manage one’s time to avoid stressful situations, and imbibe healthy eating habits and exercise in their daily routine. EmotionsThere is an umpteen number of triggers that invoke a positive or negative emotional response. However, the stress associated with dealing with emotions daily can trigger urges without one even realizing. Often, one turns to a glass of alcohol or relies on prescription medications to put the mind at ease. It is not a permanent solution and prolonged use of these substances can cause more harm in the long run. One must learn and explore productive ways of controlling emotions better to avoid a relapse during recovery. For example, writing and maintaining a journal that contains one’s feelings and thoughts can act as a healthy outlet. Similarly, there are other healthy ways to channel one’s energy and manage emotional responses.Positive conditioningPeople who have addictions such as smoking or drinking may often find themselves in situations where a lit cigarette or a glass of wine can trigger a relapse. This is understandable considering these substances were the primary source of comfort and relaxation. However, with positive reinforcement and reconditioning one can train the mind and curb such urges. Relaxation doesn’t always mean techniques like yoga or meditation, it can also be pursuing your hobby. Counseling for group gatheringsBirthdays, parties, New Year’s events, and any celebration in general call for alcohol consumption and smoking. At times, these could be the very addictions one is recovering from, and in a social gathering, such temptations can be strong. However, a recovering addict should refrain from indulging in any of these as even a taste can turn into a relapse. For instance, a recovering alcoholic must avoid having a single drink as that could put him/her on a slippery slope to relapse. Here, one-on-one counseling can help prepare the mind to resist the urge. It is never healthy for a recovering addict to simply avoid socializing fearing a relapse.

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Foods to eat and avoid for managing thyroid cancer

The thyroid gland is a little butterfly-shaped gland sitting at the back of the throat. It plays a crucial role in regulating almost every other hormone in the human body. Therefore, caring for the thyroid gland's health is necessary. Many treatment options can help manage the symptoms of thyroid cancer and other problems associated with the condition. However, they are always more effective when combined with the right food plan. Foods to eat Brazil nuts When undergoing thyroid cancer treatment, patients should have a handy snack that sits well with the thyroid gland while also keeping them satiated. Brazil nuts are a great snack option that helps with thyroid regulation. The selenium in these nuts makes them a winner for people with thyroid cancer or other functional issues. A handful of hazelnuts and macadamia nuts will also do the trick. If one is not a fan of these, a piece or two of Brazil nuts will give similar results without going big on the quantity. Seaweed Iodine plays a crucial role in producing thyroid hormones. A lack of it in the body can initiate the downfall of the hormonal balance. Thankfully, seaweed is easily available and packs loads of iodine in just a tiny packet. Adding it to soups, salads, and sushi helps ensure the thyroid gland functions correctly. Thus, seaweed is a food that can help manage thyroid cancer and other diseases associated with the gland. Foods to avoid Gluten Excess wheat, rye, barley, and other gluten-rich grains can pose intestinal and autoimmune disorders that affect thyroid functioning. The genetically modified nature of gluten content in these commonplace grains can also result in gluten sensitivity. However, since these grains and their flours are abundantly used in bakery products like cookies, cakes, bread, and other vegetarian meals, it is difficult to eliminate them. Soy Soy is often touted as harmful when discussing foods that can help manage thyroid cancer. But, the truth, in this case, is conditional. Soy and soy products are counterproductive to thyroid gland function when the patient has low levels of iodine. Another instance when foods like edamame, soy, tofu, and soy milk can cause more harm than good is when they are eaten excessively. If a person is dealing with thyroid imbalance or a thyroid cancer scare, it is better to drop soy and soy products from the menu. Organ meats Lipoic acid can be found in higher concentrations in organ meats like kidney, liver, and heart. While this compound is essential for the body, an excess can harm the thyroid gland. Besides interrupting the natural process of the gland, lipoic acid disrupts the functioning of treatments used for managing thyroid-related ailments, which can further complicate things. Therefore, organ meats are best avoided. Apart from following a specific meal plan, one should also consider prescriptions to manage their condition. Gavreto (pralsetinib) is an oral prescription that helps treat adults and children 12 years of age and older with advanced medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or advanced thyroid cancer. It may also be given to people who require Gavreto orally or through an injection (systemic therapy) when the respective cancer type has spread. For individuals with advanced thyroid cancer, the treatment is administered to those who had no response to radioactive iodine or no longer notice positive results.

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