Immunization -is the act of protecting oneself from infections by exposure to those agents that cause that particular

infection. A vaccine injected into a person helps him develop resistance to that particular disease. Immunization helps in effectively preventing various childhood diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, chicken pox, small pox, measles etc.

Importance of immunization Immunization has succeeded in reducing mortality rate in children. Earlier mortality rate was high because children had no protection against life taking deadly diseases. Immunization has therefore succeeded in keeping deadly diseases at bay

Children are protected against crippling diseases like polio and they grow up as healthy human beings. Their growth is not stunted Reduction in mortality rate has led to the reduction in birth rate. Immunization consequently has had a positive impact on the world population

Advantages of immunization

Expenditure on health in the family has reduced with people realizing that prevention is better than cure. Therefore people have more money to spend on themselves leading to betterment of their living standards Statistics shows that immunization averts atleast 2 million deaths a year Immunization is very cost effective and yields positive results Target groups for a specific Immunization are previously defined. That makes it is easier to reach out to them The process of immunization is simple and cheap. That has made it available even to the most deprived lot of the society. With immunization the government has been able to address their health issues also And the best part of Immunization is that you do not have to make any kind of lifestyle changes

Childhood Vaccines Childhood Vaccines under Expanded Program on immunization (EPI) Vaccines Disease/s Prevented Tuberculosis Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus Recommended Age to be Administer At Birth 6, 10, 14 weeks Dose/ Route Remarks

BCG (Bacillus Calmet Guerin) DPT (Diphtheria Pertussis Tetanus) OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine) Hepa B (Hepatitis B Vaccine) Anti-Measles Vaccine

0.1ml/ID 0.5ml/IM

Polio Hepatitis B

6, 10, 14 weeks At birth, 1 mo and 6 mos

Oral 0.5ml/IM

Measles

9mos

0.5ml/SC

Must form scar after 6 weeks May cause high fever and encephalopathy, although very rare 2-3 drops for each dose If>20y/o, administer 1ml; mild soreness, mild fever. Mild fever and rash lasting 1-3 days.

Bathing the Baby

Sponge baths
For the first week or so, until your baby's umbilical cord stump falls off and the area heals, it's best to stick to sponge baths with a lukewarm, moistened washcloth. Wash his face and hands frequently, and thoroughly clean his genital area after each diaper change.

Tub baths
After the umbilical cord stump dries up, falls off, and the area heals, you can start giving your newborn tub baths. While a baby is tiny, it makes the most sense to use the kitchen sink or a small plastic baby tub instead of a standard tub.

Bath safety

Never leave your baby unsupervised, even for a minute. If the doorbell or phone rings and you feel you must answer it, scoop him up in a towel and take him with you. Never put your baby into a tub when the water is still running (the water temperature could change or the depth could become too high). Set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. A child can get third-degree burns in less than a minute at 140 degrees. Never leave your child unattended. (Yes, it's so important we listed it twice). A child can drown in less than an inch of water and in less than 60 seconds.

How to give your baby a bath

1. Gather all necessary bath supplies, and lay out a towel, a clean diaper, and clothes. 2. Fill the tub with 2 to 3 inches of water that feels warm but not hot, about 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius). 3. Bring your baby to the bath area and undress him completely. (TIP: If your baby cries through every bath, leave the diaper on at first. It can give him an increased sense of security in the water.) 4. Gradually slip your baby into the tub feet first, using one hand to support his neck and head. Pour cupfuls of bath water over him regularly during the bath so he doesn't get too cold. 5. Use mild soap and use it sparingly (too much dries out your baby's skin), as you wash him with your hand or a washcloth from top to bottom, front and back. Wash his scalp with a wet, soapy cloth. Use moistened cotton balls (no soap) to clean his eyes and face. If dried mucus has collected in the corners of your baby's nostrils or eyes, dab it several times to soften it before you wipe it out. As for your baby's genitals, a routine washing is all that's needed. 6. Rinse your baby thoroughly with cupfuls of water and wipe him down with a clean washcloth. Then lift him out of the tub with one hand supporting his neck and head and the other hand supporting his bottom, with your fingers around one thigh (babies are slippery when wet). 7. Wrap your baby in a hooded towel and pat him dry. If his skin is still peeling from birth, you can apply a mild baby lotion after his bath, but this is generally dead skin that needs to come off anyway, not dry skin. Then diaper him, dress him, and give him a kiss on his sweet-smelling head.

Newborn Screening
Newborn Screening (NBS) is a simple procedure to find out if your baby has a congenital metabolic disorder that may lead to mental retardation and even death if left untreated.

Purpose: The goal of newborn screening is to give all newborns a chance to live a normal life. It provides the opportunity for early treatment of diseases that are diagnosed before symptoms appear. Included in the panel of disorders under the Philippine Newborn Screening Program are: Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH), Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency, Galactosemia (Gal) and Phenylketonuria (PKU). Baby is Screen for:

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency A condition where the body lacks the enzyme called G6PD. The deficiency may cause hemolytic anemia, when the body is exposed to oxidative substances found in certain drugs, foods and chemicals. Parents of G6PD-positive babies receive a list of these substances from their doctor. While this is the mildest disorder that is covered in NBS, it is the most common: One out of 55 babies may be affected. Read more in our article on G6PD deficiency. Congenital Hypothyroidism This is a lack of thyroid hormone, which your baby needs to grow. Treatment is required within the first four weeks of a baby's life to prevent stunted physical growth and mental retardation. One out of 3,369 babies is at risk. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia An endocrine disorder that causes severe salt loss, dehydration and abnormally high levels of male sex hormones. Left undetected and untreated, it can be fatal within seven to 14 days. One in 7,960 babies is at risk. Galactosemia A condition in which babies cannot process the sugar present in milk (galactose). This leads to increased galactose levels in the body, which leads to liver and brain damage. It also causes cataracts to develop. One in 82,250 babies may be affected. Phenylketonuria A condition where the body does not properly use the enzyme phenylalanine, which may lead to brain damage. One in 109,666 babies may be at risk.

Here's How:
1. Make sure you have everything you need nearby to change a diaper. 2. Lay your baby on his back on the changing surface. If you are using a changing table, it's recommended to use the safety straps. 3. Unfasten the diaper tabs. You can raise your child's bottom off the diaper by gently grasping his ankles and lifting. If there is a lot of bowel movement present, you may want to use the upper half of the diaper to gently sweep it towards the lower half of the diaper. If you are changing a girl, make sure you always wipe from front to back to help prevent infection. 4. Slide the diaper away from the baby and place nearby, but out of reach of baby. 5. If your baby is a newborn, you will want to cleanse the area thoroughly with either cotton balls and warm water or with a wet baby washcloth. Wipes, especially those containing alcohol, can cause rashes and irritation until children are about two months old. 6. Place any used disposable cleaning supplies on top of the soiled diaper. 7. Slide a clean diaper under your baby's bottom making sure tabs are on the portion located under your child's bottom. Most diapers today have colorful markings or characters indicating the front of the diaper. 8. Before closing the diaper, apply any ointments or creams your doctor has recommended for rashes. Doing this step after you've placed the new diaper under your baby will help prevent you from having to clean ointments off the changing surface, which can sometimes be difficult. 9. Close the new diaper by pulling the front up over his belly and pulling the tabs open and around to the fastening surface. If you are not using specially cut newborn diapers, be sure to fold the diaper down to avoid irritation of the umbilical stump. 10. Dispose of old diaper by wrapping tabs all the way around and securing inside a bag if desired. 11. Wash changing surface and hands. This step is especially important if your baby is ill, to avoid recontamination.

Tips:
1. Follow your doctor's instructions when caring for a healing circumcision. 2. Take care not to make the diaper too tight. You do want to avoid leaks, however, a too-tight diaper can cause pressure on your baby's stomach making him more likely to spit up. This is especially true after feedings. 3. If your baby has a rash that doesn't seem to be clearing up after a few days, or if he seems to be in a lot of pain and has skin that is red and raw in appearance, contact your health care provider immediately. 4. If you are using a changing table, always make sure that you use the safety straps. Even when using the straps, never leave a child unattended on an elevated surface. 5. Some parents don't like using a changing table. An alternative to this is to use a changing pad on the floor (about $5 at most discount stores). These are easily

concealed underneath a couch or bed, and you can keep a decorative basket nearby (but out of baby's reach) for changing supplies.

What You Need

diapers cotton balls, baby washcloths or wipes creams or ointments for rashes baby lotion if desired warm water for cleansing if wipes aren't used

Preventing Diaper Rash

It's common for babies to have some diaper rash. But if the rash happens often, lasts for more than 2 or 3 days, or is getting worse, it may be time to call your doctor. Also let the doctor know if your child has a fever with the rash or if the rash seems painful, bright red, or has blisters. To prevent and heal diaper rash, keep these tips in mind:

Change diapers frequently, especially after bowel movements. Clean the area gently. Wiping vigorously or rubbing can further irritate the rash. Use a diaper ointment to prevent and heal rashes. Look for one with zinc oxide, which acts as a barrier against moisture. A&D ointment is also soothing for minor rashes. Let your baby go undiapered for part of the day, laying your little one on top of a few diapering cloths. (If you have a boy, place another cloth diaper over his penis when he's on his back so he doesn't spray you.) If you use cloth diapers, wash them in dye- and fragrance-free detergents, and avoid drying them with scented drying sheets. On average your newborn will need about four changes of clothes every day so youre in for plenty of practice. Although some babies dont like being dressed and undressed, persevere they tend to get used to it as they get older. To keep your stress-levels to a minimum (and your babys) try and make sure youre quick and fairly smooth in your movements and that the room your dressing your baby in is warm.

How to dress your baby

How to do it: 1 After youve topped and tailed your baby, put her nappy on (to prevent messy accidents) and then start with the vest. As newborns have very little head control, her head will flop (but not harmfully) unless its supported. So, make sure her head is resting on something be it changing mat or your hand. 2 Scrunch up the vest and stretch the neck as wide as possible, so that you can slip it on in one go. Support her neck with one hand, and then ease the vest over her head, without letting it touch her face. This may sound like youve got to have as many arms as a friendly octopus, but with practice, youll be able to do this in seconds (promise). 3 Its basically the same principal for the arms. Hold the armhole open as wide as you can, then concertina the sleeve up and ease your babys hand through the sleeve, and pull down over the arm. Do exactly the same with the other sleeve, and then do up the fastenings between her legs. 4 Lay out a stretchsuit and place your baby on top. Take one leg of the stretchsuit and gently ease your babys leg into it. Do the same with the other leg. The gather up one sleeve and hold it open while you guide your babys hand through. Repeat with the other side. Finally do up the fastenings. Choosing clothes seven things to remember Its hard not to go all gooey at all the cute clothes you can buy for you baby but pick stuff thats practical and comfortable as well as making you go aah 1 Avoid tight necklines as most babies hate stuff pulled down over their heads, try and pick clothes which do up at the front or at the back. 2 Zips or front fastenings should be generous enough so you dont have to bend your babys legs double to get them into the suit. 3 Avoid frills round the neck theyll get covered in dribble and food (nice) and will irritate your babys chin. 4 Make sure the feet of all in one suits, socks and tights have enough room. Too tight, and they could be uncomfortable for your babys feet. 5 Soft, stretchy fabrics are comfortable to wear and easier to dry than denim, cord or other tough fabrics. 6 Avoid open lacy-patterned cardigans and jumpers little fingers can easily get caught in the holes. 7 Choose stretchsuits with fastenings down both legs, so you dont have to take the whole thing off every time you change a nappy.