Keeping Grandchildren Healthy: What's New?

Grandparents: Focus on the Child

Source: AARP.org | May 3, 2007

You’re a new grandparent. But you’re not new to raising children. You raised healthy kids of your own. And because of that, you feel qualified to raise healthy grandchildren, too.

You’re partly right. Many of the health practices you learned from your parents and grandparents will never go out of fashion. You should definitely pass these practices along to your children and grandchildren.

On the other hand, doctors and researchers have learned a great deal in the past few years about how to keep kids healthy. Stay up-to-date on these latest findings. This new information will come in handy when you’re caring for a grandchild—whether it’s for an evening, a week, or a lifetime.

What’s new in childhood health—and what has stayed the same? Here’s a sampling of some important health information you should know.

Children Still Need Regular Checkups

A pediatrician will want to see a baby for frequent “well-baby check-ups” until that baby is about 18 months. After that, a child should visit the doctor at least once a year. During these visits, the doctor will check to make sure the child is healthy and free of disease. The doctor will also check the child’s hearing and vision.

Children Still Need to Wash Their Hands Often

Hand washing is the most important thing we can do to keep from getting sick. It is especially important that children wash their hands after they use the bathroom. To get the most out of hand washing, have your grandchildren rub their soapy hands together for 15-20 seconds before rinsing and drying. Wash a baby's hands the same way.

Today’s Children Need More Shots

Children still need to receive immunizations to keep them from developing serious illnesses. Be aware, however, that the list of vaccinations has changed since your children were young. Here’s the most current list of shots that all children should have before they are two years old:

Babies Don’t Sleep on Their Stomachs Anymore

Years ago, parents were told to put babies to sleep on their stomachs. That’s no longer the right advice. Doctors and nurses now tell new parents to put babies on their backs for sleep. This practice helps guard against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is sometimes called "crib death.” It strikes about 6,000 babies in the U.S. each year. A diagnosis of SIDS means that an infant died in his sleep and the death cannot be explained. Infants who sleep on their backs or sides are at lower risk of SIDS than infants who sleep on their stomachs.

Old Poison Remedies Don’t Work

You may have used syrup of ipecac to make a child vomit after she swallowed a poisonous substance. This treatment isn’t used anymore because there’s no proof that it works. Today, the best approach is to call the Poison Control Center when you think a child has swallowed something harmful. Experts at the Center will tell you exactly what to do. The telephone number for Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222. Post that number near every telephone in your house. Always call 911 if a child has convulsions, stops breathing or is unconscious.

Kids Brush Earlier

Brush an infant’s teeth? It may sound a bit strange, but dentists now recommend it. Researchers have learned that if you take care of baby teeth, adult teeth will be healthy, too.

The Doctor May Not See You

In the “old days,” you wouldn’t have thought twice about taking your grandson to the doctor. The doctor probably would have treated him right away, no questions asked. Not today. Many state laws now say that a doctor cannot treat a grandchild in your care unless you have a consent form that is signed by the child's parents. These “medical consent laws” are different from state to state. Ask your doctor about the laws in your state and how they apply to you.

AARP Resources

Steps to Healthy Living for Caring Grandparents
While you’re caring for your grandchild’s health, don’t forget your own health. Check out these tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Getting Organized for Childcare
These tips will help prepare you for watching a grandchild.

Making Your Home Safe for Grandchildren
Keeping your grandchildren safe is as important as keeping them healthy. Check out these tips for making sure your home won’t hurt your grandchild.

Additional Resources

American Academy of Pediatrics
This organization of physicians provides a wealth of information about the health of children.

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Check out this dental checklist for infants and toddlers.

KidsHealth
Visit this Web site for information on children's growth and development, nutrition and fitness, infections, behavior and emotions, and medical care.

SAFEKIDS Campaign
Find answers to questions about car seats, poison prevention, and other family health issues.

Books

Find these books online at Borders.com.

“Disease-Proof Your Child: Feeding Kids Right,” Joel Fuhrman, St. Martin’s Press, September 2006.

“Good Kids, Bad Habits: The Real Age Guide to Raising Healthy Children,” Jennifer Trachtenberg, HarperCollins Publishers, February 2007.

“The Germ Freak's Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flu: Guerilla Tactics to Keep Yourself Healthy at Home, at Work and in the World,” Allison Janse and Charles P. Gerba, Health Communications, Incorporated, January 2005.

“The Sneaky Chef: Simple Strategies for Hiding Healthy Foods in Kids Favorite Meals,” Missy Chase Lapine, Perseus Publishing, April 2007.

“Your Child's Health: The Parents' One-Stop Reference Guide to: Symptoms, Emergencies, Common Illnesses, Behavior Problems, and Healthy Development,” Barton D. Schmitt, Bantam Books, November 2005.