Madeeha Syed

Equip yourself with a brief guide to understanding good and bad touch. Meri Sehat provides insights into educating children about personal boundaries and safety.

A Brief Guide To Good & Bad Touch

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How To Protect Your Child From Online Predators

Overview

We live in a time where parents don&rsquo;t hesitate for a single moment before using their smartphones or tablets as pacifiers for their young children. Nowadays, young children also need to have access to computers and the internet in order to complete their homework. 

This increases the risk that children will be exposed to the bad or predatory elements online. Most of us have heard stories about these and quite a few of us have been <a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/why-is-it-so-hard-for-victims-of-domestic-violence-to-come-forward">victims</a> of these as well. 

One thing for sure however, these online predators are more common than we think and they pose a very real threat. Here&rsquo;s how you can safeguard your child from being exploited: 
&nbsp;

Protection of Your child

Conclusion

<ul>
	<li>Firstly, alert them about the fact of their existence. Tell them how it doesn&rsquo;t just have to be an older man or a woman but that they can also behave and portray themselves as being the same age as your child. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Secondly, highlight what predatory behaviour might look or sound like so it&rsquo;s easier for the child to identify. Give examples such as someone wanting to keep their relationship a secret, asking for pictures or asking them inappropriate questions about their bodies, asking for an address or wanting to meet alone etc. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Have a conversation with your child about risky behaviour. Children are naturally curious and might seek information on risky topics themselves which increases their chances of running into predatory individuals. Let them know that even though this curiosity is natural, they must take measures to stay safe. Nurturing a trusting relationship with your child can also ensure they come to you first if they plan on visiting areas of the internet that are potentially dangerous, such as entering Reddit chat rooms etc. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Similarly, ensure your child knows how to use privacy features on social media platforms. Set the rule that they can only add their offline friends on these platforms. Strict boundaries regarding internet usage can go a long way in keeping your kids safe. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Online predators aren&rsquo;t always looking to sexually exploit. They might be looking to recruit impressionable children into some illegal or violent activities &mdash; alert your child about this possibility and keep a close eye on their behaviour as this can help you identify any harmful influence they might be under. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>It&rsquo;s also crucial to let your child know that they shouldn&rsquo;t post their address, phone numbers, school&rsquo;s name or any identifiable information online. Tell your child how this can put them in real danger even when they&rsquo;re offline. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Surveillance software and child protection locks can work to a certain degree as well but these too might fail sometimes. This is why a frank and honest discussion can go a long way. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Encourage the child to approach you or any trusted adult and let you know if they are being harassed. Tell them that the moment something makes them uncomfortable they are to block that individual online and log off. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Make sure that your child trusts you, feels safe with you and understands that they&rsquo;re to come to you even if they have broken any rules and gotten into trouble. Let them know that to you, their safety is more important than everything else. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>And last but not the least, make your child understand that the internet can be a great source of information and education for them and it&rsquo;s not a scary place they need to be wary off at all times. That they simply need to have good boundaries and exhibit safe behaviours. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Dr. Safia Mehmood

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Are Childfree Couples Selfish Or Selfless?

&ldquo;I once told a man I didn&rsquo;t want to have children,&rdquo; relates Ramsha Khan, a 32-year-old writer from Karachi. &ldquo;He was horrified,&rdquo; she adds, saying that, &ldquo;He accused me of being a monster. I was shocked. He equated my not wanting to have children with me hating children in general. That&rsquo;s far from the truth. I love kids, I just don&rsquo;t want my own.&rdquo;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Childree Couples

Maheen Ali, a 36-year-old graphic designer from Lahore, has faced similar reactions. &ldquo;People look at you as if there&rsquo;s something inherently wrong with you,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;The strongest reaction I&rsquo;ve gotten is from older women and men. Sometimes they get angry, like &lsquo;Why did you get married if you didn&rsquo;t want to have children?&rsquo;. Almost as if I have no right to enjoy my life, on my own, on my own terms. And if I am, then how dare I? I&rsquo;ve also been told I will regret it forever. I don&rsquo;t so far.&rdquo;&nbsp;

There are many misconceptions that persist about childfree couples. Some of the most common ones are:&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>They Are Selfish: This is the most problematic one. <a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/how-having-a-pet-prepares-you-for-parenthood">Parenthood</a> or not is not an indicator of whether someone is selfish or not. Many people will know parents that are selfish, and those without kids who are kind and generous. A self-focused adult is likely to become a self-focused parent, or will enact their selfishness through their kids, like hogging the sidewalk with their stroller. 
	So where does this accusation come from? Parenting is really hard work and for many people it&rsquo;s not easy to become a parent. Parents who are acutely aware of their own sacrifices may assume that the childless know nothing of what it means to give themselves in the service of others. But being a parent is neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition in blunting selfishness; thankfully there are many ways to get there, such as through meaningful service. 
	Whether directed at parents or the childless, accusations of selfishness are often unwarranted. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>They Lead Unfulfilling Lives: Many people assume that having children is the pinnacle of one&rsquo;s existence, perhaps especially among those who find tremendous fulfillment through parenthood. Accordingly, they might assume that the childless are missing out on the full experience of life. 
	However, there is no strong evidence that parents are more satisfied with their lives than non-parents. So, while it may be hard for parents to imagine feeling fulfilled without their children, it&rsquo;s not safe to assume that everyone finds fulfillment in the same way. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>They Are <a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/loneliness">Lon</a><a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/loneliness">ely</a>&nbsp;And Experience Financial Hardship When They Get Old: Is having kids a guarantee that someone will take care of us when we&rsquo;re old, and that being childless means we&rsquo;ll grow old alone? Certainly not. Research findings suggest that old age is a challenge for most people including financial, health, and social challenges. But childless people are not more susceptible to those kinds of problems. 
	One major factor is that women who are childless tend to be better off financially than mothers of the same age since they&rsquo;ve generally worked more years and had fewer expenses. And everyone, regardless of parenthood status, needs to find ways to stay socially connected in their later years. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>They Don&rsquo;t Contribute To The Perpetuation Of Our Species: Parents and non-parents often find themselves caught in a tension over their life choices. We can witness a mutual dependence between parents and non-parents. 
	Continuing our species takes a lot more than having babies. It requires solving the biggest problems facing our time, creating the art that brings beauty to our existence, the <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/philosophy">philosophy</a> that guides our actions&mdash;including how we raise our children, solving climate change and world economic problems and controlling population explosion.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Needless to say, there are countless people throughout history who have done remarkable things and were not parents: Julia Child, Francis Bacon, Beethoven, Oprah Winfrey&mdash;the list goes on.

&nbsp;

Rukhsana Rizwan

Medilink Consultant clinic

Online Consultation

ZAKA CLINIC GULBERG LAHORE

Saad Ullah Siddiqui

Baby Hygiene

Introduction

Babies are a bundle of joy. But, let&#39;s face it; they can also be quite messy! From diaper blowouts to drool-soaked onesies, caring for a little one is a constant battle against dirt and germs. That&#39;s why it&#39;s crucial to establish a solid hygiene routine to keep your baby clean and healthy. 

But what does science have to say about baby hygiene? Well, it turns out that the first few years of a child&#39;s life are critical for developing a strong immune system. While a little exposure to certain microbes during this time can help build immunity, too much exposure to harmful bacteria can be dangerous to your baby&rsquo;s health.

That&#39;s why finding the right balance of hygiene is key. So, let&#39;s roll up our sleeves, put on our lab coats, and explore the science behind keeping your little one clean and healthy. 
&nbsp;

The right bath routine can help keep your baby&#39;s skin healthy and clean while also being a fun and bonding experience for both of you. 

At first, it all appears to be extremely intimidating. I mean, how do you hold a tiny, slippery newborn and, at the same time, ensure it gets a proper bath? To be honest, it takes a little experience to feel confident and at ease in the bath with your baby. 
&nbsp;

That said, there are some rules you can follow to see your baby&rsquo;s hygiene is taken care of. It&#39;s generally recommended to bathe your baby 2-3 times per week during their first year of life<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.Bathing your infant too frequently will cause dry skin. 

Besides, when changing diapers and using burp cloths, you&#39;re already cleaning the areas that require attention &mdash; the face, neck, and diaper area. So, in between bathing, you can keep an eye on your baby&#39;s skin folds, such as the thighs, groin, armpits, and chin and, if you feel necessary, you can use a moist washcloth to clean these spots.

However, if your baby enjoys bath time or has frequent spit-ups, you may want to bathe them more often. Remember to use warm water and mild soap always, and avoid scrubbing their delicate skin too vigorously. 
&nbsp;

Your baby&#39;s umbilical cord stump needs to be kept clean and dry. This can be done by gently wiping the area with a clean, damp cloth during diaper changes. You can also fold down your baby&#39;s diaper to allow for air circulation. 

Note: NEVER pull on the stump as this can cause bleeding and delay healing. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Here&rsquo;s A Guide On How To Sponge-Bathe Your Baby</h5>

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump falls off, which can be a week or two after birth<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>. 
&nbsp;

Supplies

<ul>
	<li>A soft blanket, towel, or changing pad</li>
	<li>Washcloth</li>
	<li>Fragrance-free baby shampoo and soap</li>
	<li>Baby wipes</li>
	<li>Clean diaper</li>
	<li>Change of clothes 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Setting Up

<ul>
	<li>Find a warm place with a flat surface, such as a changing counter.</li>
	<li>Pad the surface with a blanket or towel.</li>
	<li>Spread out the changing pad for the baby to lie on. Keep the baby covered to ensure they stay warm.</li>
	<li>Have one free hand to keep on the baby at all times to avoid any accidents.</li>
	<li>Keep the water in a sink or shallow basin nearby. Make sure the water isn&rsquo;t too hot. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Baby Baths

<ul>
	<li>Take off one item of clothing at a time while washing your baby.</li>
	<li>Don&rsquo;t use soap on your baby&rsquo;s face directly. Dip the clean washcloth in plain warm water. Squeeze out the excess and wash the baby&rsquo;s face with it. Wash the baby&rsquo;s ears as well in the same manner. Gently wipe around the eyes, using a different part of the washcloth for each eye. Then wipe around the nose, mouth, and rest of the face. Dry using a soft towel.</li>
	<li>AVOID cotton swabs inside their ears. AVOID covering their face while washing; wash one side at a time. </li>
	<li>Uncover the chest and stomach. Use fragrance-free mild soap to wash their neck, back, chest, hands, arms, and underarms. Rinse with clean water. Dry with a soft towel and recover the parts.</li>
	<li>Similarly, now uncover the legs and feet of your baby and wash them, ensuring to cover all the creases and between the toes as well. Dry well with a soft towel.</li>
	<li>In the end, remove the diaper and wash the area front to back. Dy and reapply a clean diaper.</li>
	<li>Cup your hand under warm water and gently pour it over your baby&rsquo;s hair. Apply a tiny amount of baby shampoo and use your hand or a plastic cup to rinse it off. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

IMPORTANT!

<ul>
	<li>Keep your baby&#39;s head clear of the water.</li>
	<li>Never leave your baby alone in the bath, not even for a second. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Understanding Baby Hygiene for Parents

To prevent diaper rash, it&#39;s important to change your baby&#39;s diaper frequently and use a gentle, fragrance-free diaper cream as needed. Avoid using baby wipes that contain alcohol or fragrance as these can irritate your baby&#39;s skin. 

Also, make sure to give your baby some diaper-free time each day to allow their skin to breathe. 
&nbsp;

A few simple tips that can help reduce the chances of diaper rash forming on your baby&#39;s skin.

<ul>
	<li>If your child is in daycare, make sure the staff members do the same, i.e., change diapers frequently</li>
	<li>Use disposable diapers that have an absorbent gel to draw wetness away from the skin.</li>
	<li>Rinse your baby&#39;s bottom with warm water during each diaper change. </li>
	<li>Be gentle while cleaning the skin with moist washcloths, cotton balls, or baby wipes. Use a mild soap or a gentle non-soap cleanser.</li>
	<li>Pat your baby&#39;s skin dry with a clean towel or let it air dry. Do not scrub your baby&#39;s bottom. </li>
	<li>Avoid using talcum powder.</li>
	<li>Apply cream, paste, or ointment during each diaper change to prevent rashes. Petroleum jelly and zinc oxide are effective ingredients in many diaper rash products. </li>
	<li>Wash your hands well after changing diapers to prevent the spread of bacteria or yeast to other parts of your baby&#39;s body, to you, or to someone else.</li>
</ul>

Fasten the diaper securely but not too tight. Diapers that allow some airflow can prevent diaper rash, whereas tight-fitting diapers tend to rub against the skin. 
&nbsp;

<h5>How Do I Keep My Baby&#39;s Toys Clean?</h5>

Wash toys that are visibly soiled, such as those with dirt or food on them, regularly with soap and warm water. Likewise, if someone in your home is unwell, it&#39;s a good idea to disinfect the objects at least once a day to help avoid the spread of germs.

This is especially important for toys that your baby puts in their mouth. 

However, there&#39;s no need to put on large gloves. Most bacteria found in the home aren&#39;t very dangerous, and exposing your baby to some germs can even help strengthen their immune system and protect them from future infections. 
&nbsp;

<h5>How Do I Prevent The Spread Of Germs To My Baby?</h5>

Being exposed to germs can boost the immune system&#39;s ability to defend against certain microorganisms. When the body is infected, the immune system learns how to defend against it and can protect against future infections. 

However, intentionally exposing a child to germs is not recommended. Babies naturally receive enough germ exposure, and deliberately exposing them can be harmful, especially in the first 3-6 months when they are most vulnerable<a href="#accordion">[9]</a>.

Moreover, cold and flu viruses, which are typically harmless in adults, can cause problems in infants. Therefore, it&#39;s crucial to take precautions to protect young babies from germs during this period. 
&nbsp;

<h5>The Importance Of Sterilizing Feeding Equipment</h5>

Sterilizing baby feeders and other items that come into contact with your baby&#39;s mouth is an essential part of maintaining good hygiene for your baby. Other items that should be sterilized include pacifiers, breast pumps, and teething toys. This process helps to eliminate harmful bacteria and germs that can cause illness. 

Wash them with warm water and soap and then either boil them for 5 minutes, use a steam sterilizer, or soak them in a sterilizing solution. 

It is important to establish a routine for sterilizing these items, especially in the first year of your baby&#39;s life when their immune system is still developing. 
&nbsp;

Attending to the grooming needs of your baby is crucial for their health and comfort. By paying attention to your baby&#39;s appearance, you are also more likely to care for them in other ways that contribute to their overall well-being. If you&#39;re unsure where to begin with grooming your baby, there are some fundamental aspects to consider, such as trimming their nails and taking care of their hair. By following these basic guidelines, you can ensure that your baby stays clean, healthy, and comfortable. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Trimming Baby Nails</h5>

Trimming a baby&#39;s nails can be a challenging task as they are a moving target. Unless your baby is sleeping, it requires a steady hand and focus. However, it&#39;s important to keep your baby&#39;s nails short to prevent them from scratching themselves. 

Here are some tips to help you trim your baby&#39;s nails without any nicks:

<ul>
	<li>Do it during a nap or after a bath when your baby is calmer or their nails are softer.</li>
	<li>Use a file if you&#39;re not comfortable with the clipper. Filing may take longer, but it eliminates the risk of cutting your baby.</li>
	<li>Avoid biting your baby&#39;s nails as it can transfer bacteria from your mouth to their skin or bloodstream. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h5>Hair Care</h5>

Taking care of a baby&#39;s hair can be a challenge as they may experience cradle cap or hair loss. Here are some tips to help you manage your baby&#39;s mop:

<ul>
	<li>A cradle cap can make your baby&#39;s scalp oily and peel, but it&#39;s not bothersome to them. Avoid picking at it and instead use a cradle-cap treatment or let it clear up on its own.</li>
	<li>It&#39;s normal for dark-haired babies to shed their newborn hair later due to changes in the growth pattern. Light-haired babies have already gone through this process in the womb, which is why they have less hair at birth.</li>
	<li>Tummy time can help with cosmetic concerns as it may lead to less hair growth in those areas. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Maintaining good hygiene practices for your baby is crucial for their health and well-being. By following simple steps, such as frequent hand washing, regular bathing, dressing your baby appropriately, and using gentle and hypoallergenic products, you can help protect your baby from illnesses and skin irritations. Additionally, sterilizing feeding equipment and keeping your baby&#39;s environment clean can further prevent the spread of germs. As a caregiver, it is important to prioritize your baby&#39;s hygiene to promote their health and happiness. With these basic practices, you can provide a clean, safe, and healthy environment for your baby to grow and thrive in. 
&nbsp;

Key Takeaways

<ul>
	<li>Maintaining good<a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/post-coitus-practices-to-adopt-for-good-health-and-hygiene"> hygiene </a>practices for your baby is crucial for their health and well-being. </li>
	<li>Simple steps, such as frequent hand washing, regular bathing, dressing your baby appropriately, and using gentle and hypoallergenic products, can help protect your baby from illnesses and skin irritations</li>
	<li>&nbsp;The right bath routine can help keep your baby&#39;s skin healthy and clean while also being a fun and bonding experience for both of you.</li>
	<li>It&#39;s generally recommended to bathe your baby 2-3 times per week during their first year of life. </li>
	<li>Your baby&#39;s umbilical cord stump needs to be kept clean and dry.</li>
	<li>To prevent diaper rash, it&#39;s important to change your baby&#39;s diaper frequently and use a gentle, fragrance-free diaper cream as needed.</li>
	<li>Wash your hands well after changing diapers to prevent the spread of bacteria or yeast to other parts of your baby&#39;s body, to you, or to someone else.</li>
	<li>It is recommended to wash toys that are visibly soiled, such as those with dirt or food on them. </li>
	<li>Sterilizing baby feeders and other items that come into contact with your baby&#39;s mouth is an essential part of maintaining good hygiene for your baby. </li>
	<li>Attending to the grooming needs of your baby is crucial for their health and comfort.</li>
</ul>

[1] Baby maintenance: Baths, nails, and hair. WebMD.

[2] Smith J. Baby Hygiene: Howard County General Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine. Baby Hygiene | Howard County General Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine.

[3] Diaper hygiene. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

[4] How often to bathe a newborn: Tips, equipment, and safety. Medical News Today.

[5] A parent's Guide to Newborn Baths. Mayo Clinic.

[6] Pelly J. How often should you bathe your baby? Healthline.

[7] NHS choices. Accessed February 16, 2023.

[8] Diaper rash. Mayo Clinic.

[9] Keeping your baby free from illness: Germ protection, vaccinations, and more. WebMD.

Sarah Mhowwala

Many parents never get around to teaching their children about body safety and inappropriate touching. Not knowing how to structure the talk, not wanting to scare the child and general<a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/anxiety"> anxiety</a> about the topic are some of the major concerns for these parents. However, just as children are taught to keep themselves safe from other harmful things such as a hot utensil, this is also a crucial discussion we must have.

step by step guide

Here&rsquo;s a step by step guide to how you can approach this topic with your child: 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Firstly, start the conversations around body safety at an earlier age (as young as two-years-old) by squeezing in comments like, &ldquo;You must wear your floaters in the pool to stay safe&rdquo; or &ldquo;mommy puts on a seatbelt to drive safely.&rdquo; This conversation can evolve with time to include good touch and bad touch. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Understand that unwanted touch can appear in any form and it&rsquo;s not always sexual. For example, your child not wanting to shake hands with or hug a certain relative. Even if it doesn&rsquo;t feel inappropriate or wrong to you, the only thing that matters is how the child feels about it. Hence, the first step is teaching the child ownership of their own body and that they can say no to any type of physical contact they aren&rsquo;t okay with, be it sexual or otherwise. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Start by showing them real life examples of good and bad touch. Such as a parent hugging or kissing them or when they hold hands with their friends while playing is considered good touch. Guide them to be conscious of how they feel during these moments. Once this is achieved, they can easily identify when something doesn&rsquo;t feel similar and safe. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Now that you have discussed how good touch usually feels, you can make them aware of how bad and unwanted touch might be detected. Examples such as a playmate hitting them can make it easier for the child to perceive how they might feel in those instances. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Categorise types of touch and body parts by using a doll. Ask them to repeat whether they understand which areas on their bodies are private and which aren&rsquo;t. A way to make it easier for your child to remember is the swimsuit rule: any part of the body covered by a swimsuit is off limits. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Make them aware of how bad touch doesn&rsquo;t always come from strangers and if something doesn&rsquo;t feel right about how a familiar and trusted individual touches them, then they should let you know promptly. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Use the correct terminology for all the body parts. Your child picks up on your tone and verbal cues, if you aren&rsquo;t awkward or shy about using these terms then they won&rsquo;t be either. This doesn&rsquo;t just give them more knowledge but also more confidence when placing boundaries. &nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Use the various resources and books designed to make this process go smoother such as My Body! What I Say Goes! by Jayneen Sanders. Similarly, a short YouTube video can be very informative as well. The American Academy of Paediatrics also has a website (healthychildren.org) where you can find further information. However, these tools don&rsquo;t replace parental guidance and are only to be used as an adjunct. Be prepared for any questions and clarifications. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Encourage open communication by empowering them to share with either you or any safe authority figure such as a teacher when there&rsquo;s a breach. Teach them how they should behave if a bad touch has occurred such as distancing themselves from the individual and yelling or calling for help. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>And last but not the least, keep having these conversations and have regular check-ins with your child. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>