Child Care
Routine care
- Exclusive breastfeeding for six months; complementary feeding begins at six months with thick, mashed foods; breastfeeding continues to two years.
- Sleep: 11–14 hours a day for 3–5-year-olds including a nap; a fixed bedtime routine helps.
- Toilet training begins when the child shows readiness (dry for two hours, dislikes a wet nappy), usually 18–30 months; never punish accidents.
- Daily bath, hand washing with soap at the five key times, nail and hair care, clean cotton clothes.
- Teeth: brush twice daily; first dental check by age one.
Health protection
Immunisation as per the national schedule: BCG, OPV-0 and hepatitis B at birth; pentavalent, OPV, rotavirus and PCV at 6, 10 and 14 weeks; MR-1, JE-1 and PCV booster at 9–12 months; MR-2 and DPT booster-1 at 16–24 months; DPT booster-2 at 5–6 years. Every child needs a health card.
First aid and safety
- Diarrhoea: ORS and zinc; continue feeding and breastfeeding. Danger signs are sunken eyes, no urine, blood in stool.
- Cuts: clean with water, apply pressure, cover.
- Burns: cool running water for 20 minutes; no toothpaste or oil.
- Child-proof sockets, stair gates, locked medicines, a stocked first-aid box, and known referral numbers.
Worked example
A mother says her 4-month-old has diarrhoea and she has stopped breastfeeding. Advise: continue breastfeeding, give ORS after each loose stool, give zinc for 14 days, and return at once if the child stops drinking or passes no urine.
Traps
Water or honey for a newborn; stopping feeds during illness; claiming ORS is made with hot water; blaming all crying on illness.