Doctors who see children every day pick up small tricks that never make it onto the discharge paperwork. One pediatric ER doctor wrote down ten of hers, and the list is full of simple, home-friendly ideas parents are saving.
The post from @dr_norajiaka is titled “Things I say or do and parents think I’m a magician.” There is no talking. She appears in scrubs and a floral scrub cap, smiles at the camera and gestures while the list scrolls over the video, with music playing.
The ten tips on her list
- Maalox plus Aquaphor for diaper rash.
- Prune juice, apple juice and water as a constipation recipe.
- Smell an alcohol swab for nausea.
- Freezer breaths for croup.
- Blow bubbles instead of telling a child to take a deep breath.
- Sour candy for swollen salivary glands.
- A cool hair dryer on the ears after swimming to help avoid swimmer’s ear.
- A warm compress for a clogged tear duct in babies.
- For a knocked-out permanent tooth, put it in milk and head in.
- Vaseline around a stuck Band-Aid.
A closer look at a few
Bubbles instead of deep breaths. Telling a scared child to take a deep breath rarely works. Blowing bubbles makes them breathe slowly and steadily without realizing it, which is why it shows up on so many pediatric lists.
Milk for a knocked-out tooth. The tip is a reminder that speed matters. Her version is to put a permanent tooth in milk and head in for care right away.
Vaseline and a stuck bandage. A little petroleum jelly around the edges can help a stubborn adhesive loosen so removal hurts less.
Use these as conversation starters, not a replacement for care
This list is one clinician’s collection of quick ideas, shared in a short video, and it does not cover how much to use or which children they suit. Medicines and remedies for babies and young children, including anything for diaper rash, constipation or breathing trouble, should be checked with your pediatrician or pharmacist first. If a child has trouble breathing, is very ill or has a serious injury, get medical help right away.
Even so, the post lands because it hands parents small, usable ideas in a few seconds. Saving it and bringing it up at your next pediatric visit is an easy way to find out which ones are right for your own child.
More on a few of the ideas
If a permanent tooth gets knocked out. Dental guidance for a permanent tooth is to pick it up by the crown, the white chewing surface, not the root. If it is dirty, a gentle rinse is fine, but do not scrub it. Keep it moist, and get to a dentist or emergency room right away, because time matters. Baby teeth are different. They are generally not put back in, so call a dentist for advice.
Constipation basics. Many children do better with plenty of fluids and fiber from fruit, vegetables and whole grains. If constipation keeps coming back, causes pain or comes with other symptoms, talk to your pediatrician instead of treating it at home.
Keeping ears dry after swimming. Water that stays in the ear canal can lead to irritation. Tilting the head to let water drain and drying the outer ear with a towel are simple habits for swim days. Ask your doctor before putting anything inside a child’s ear.
Stock a simple, safe home first aid kit
- Adhesive bandages in several sizes.
- Gauze pads and medical tape.
- A digital thermometer.
- Tweezers for splinters.
- A phone list with your pediatrician, poison control and emergency numbers.
- Any medicines your doctor has recommended, stored high up or locked away from children.
Making a trip to the doctor or ER easier on your child
Children are often scared in medical settings, which is part of why small, calming tricks stand out. Bring a favorite comfort item, tell your child honestly what will happen in simple words, and stay close. Bubbles, a song or a story can help a nervous child breathe more slowly and settle.
It also helps to bring a list of your child’s medicines, allergies and recent symptoms, so you do not have to rely on memory when you are worried. Write questions down before the visit and ask for plain language if something is unclear. Good care is a partnership, and doctors appreciate parents who come prepared.
Credit for the original post goes to @dr_norajiaka on Instagram.