Browse Categories
Wellness, Mother & Child
Browse alphabetically or find an entry using Search.
Advanced Search — Refine Results
Hair Tourniquet (Prevention and Removal)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMCUrgent information
Care Approach
Check Extremities and Remove Carefully
Guidance & Use
Regularly check the baby's toes, fingers, and penis for stray hairs or threads. If found, remove it carefully with tweezers. If it is tightly wrapped and cutting off circulation, seek immediate medical help to remove it safely.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE emergency response. Early detection prevents tissue damage and amputation.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If you cannot remove the hair, or if the area is swollen, red, or blue.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (Adult Prevention)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach
Wash Hands After Diaper Changes and Avoid Sharing Utensils
Guidance & Use
Adults can catch HFMD, though it is less common. Wash hands thoroughly after changing diapers, and do not share cups, utensils, or towels with the infected child.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE preventive care. Protects caregivers and other family members from infection.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If an adult caregiver develops a fever, sore throat, or a rash on their hands or feet.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (Cleaning Toys)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach
Wash Toys with Soap and Water or Disinfectant
Guidance & Use
The virus can survive on surfaces for days. Wash plastic toys in the dishwasher or with hot, soapy water. For stuffed animals, wash them in the washing machine on a hot cycle.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE preventive care. Eliminates the virus from the child's environment.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If the child continues to get re-infected despite cleaning.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (Contagion Period)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach
Practice Strict Hygiene for Several Weeks
Guidance & Use
The virus is most contagious during the first week of illness, but it can remain in the stool for several weeks. Continue strict handwashing and diaper hygiene long after symptoms resolve.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE preventive care. Prevents delayed transmission of the virus.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If other family members develop symptoms of HFMD.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (Dietary Adjustments)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach
Offer Soft, Bland, and Cool Foods
Guidance & Use
Avoid salty, spicy, or acidic foods that can sting mouth sores. Offer soft, bland foods like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and smoothies to ensure the child gets nutrition without pain.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE home care. Helps maintain nutrition and hydration during illness.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If the child refuses all food and fluids for more than 24 hours.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (Hydration)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach
Offer Cool, Soft Fluids Frequently
Guidance & Use
Mouth sores can make swallowing painful. Offer cool, soft fluids like milk, water, or oral rehydration solutions. Avoid citrus juices, which can irritate the sores.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE home care. Maintaining hydration is the most critical aspect of HFMD care.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If the child refuses all fluids, has no wet diapers for 6-8 hours, or has no tears when crying.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (Hygiene)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach
Wash Hands Frequently and Disinfect Toys
Guidance & Use
The virus is highly contagious. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after diaper changes. Disinfect toys, doorknobs, and surfaces regularly to prevent the spread of the virus.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE preventive care. Strict hygiene is the best way to prevent transmission.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If the child develops a high fever or shows signs of dehydration.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (Pain Relief)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach
Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Guidance & Use
Offer infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for children over 6 months) to reduce fever and relieve the pain of mouth sores. Avoid acidic or spicy foods that can sting the sores.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE home care. CAUTION: Never give aspirin to a child due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If the pain is severe and prevents the child from drinking fluids.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (Return to Daycare)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach
Wait Until Fever is Gone and Sores Heal
Guidance & Use
Keep the child home until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without medication, and the blisters have dried and crusted over. Check with your daycare for their specific return policy.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE preventive care. Prevents the spread of the virus to other children.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If the child still has open, weeping blisters or a fever.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (Symptom Monitoring)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach
Monitor for Signs of Dehydration or Secondary Infection
Guidance & Use
Watch for decreased wet diapers, lethargy, or if the blisters become red, swollen, and warm (signs of bacterial infection). Most cases resolve on their own in 7-10 days.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE home care. Vigilant monitoring ensures timely medical intervention if needed.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If symptoms worsen, or if the child develops a stiff neck or severe headache.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (When to See Doctor)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach
Seek Care for Severe Symptoms
Guidance & Use
Most cases are mild, but see a doctor if the child is under 6 months old, has a fever lasting more than 3 days, shows signs of dehydration, or if the symptoms do not improve after 10 days.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE medical guidance. Ensures complications are caught and treated early.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If the child exhibits any of the severe symptoms listed.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Hand Hygiene (Infant Care)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach
Wash Hands with Soap and Water
Guidance & Use
Practice hand hygiene (the act of cleaning hands to remove dirt and germs) before handling the baby, preparing formula, or after changing a diaper. Wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap is unavailable.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE preventive care. The single most effective way to prevent the spread of infections to infants.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If the baby develops signs of infection (fever, lethargy, poor feeding) despite good hygiene practices.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Hand Washing (Toddler Training)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach
Make it Fun and Consistent
Guidance & Use
Teach the toddler to wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing the 'Happy Birthday' song twice). Use a step stool to help them reach the sink, and make it a consistent routine after using the toilet, before eating, and after playing outside.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE preventive care. The single most effective way to prevent the spread of childhood illnesses.
When to Seek Medical Advice
N/A (Focus on consistent, positive reinforcement of the habit).
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Head Lice (Infant/Toddler)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach
Manual Removal and Safe Treatments
Guidance & Use
Use a fine-toothed nit comb (a special comb designed to remove lice eggs) on wet, conditioned hair. For children over 2 years, use over-the-counter lice treatments as directed. Wash all bedding and hats in hot water.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE home care. CAUTION: Do not use harsh chemical lice treatments on infants under 2 years old without a pediatrician's approval.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If the scalp becomes severely itchy, red, or shows signs of bacterial infection from scratching.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Healthy Snack Ideas (Toddler)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach
Offer Whole Foods in Safe Sizes
Guidance & Use
Provide nutrient-dense snacks like sliced fruit, cheese cubes, yogurt, or whole-grain crackers. Cut round foods (like grapes) into quarters lengthwise to prevent choking. Offer snacks at predictable times to avoid interfering with main meals.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE wellness practice. Always supervise toddlers while they eat.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If the child shows signs of food allergies (hives, swelling, vomiting) after trying a new snack.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Healthy Snack Ideas (Toddler)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach
Offer Whole Foods in Safe Sizes
Guidance & Use
Provide nutrient-dense snacks like sliced fruit, cheese cubes, yogurt, or whole-grain crackers. Cut round foods (like grapes) into quarters lengthwise to prevent choking. Offer snacks at predictable times to avoid interfering with main meals.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE wellness practice. Always supervise toddlers while they eat.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If the child shows signs of food allergies (hives, swelling, vomiting) after trying a new snack.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Hearing Screening (Newborn)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach
Routine Hospital Screening
Guidance & Use
Ensure the baby receives a hearing screening before leaving the hospital or within the first month of life. The baby should be asleep or very quiet during the painless test, which uses a small probe in the ear to measure sound responses.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE preventive care. Early detection is critical for speech and language development.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If the baby fails the initial screening, follow up promptly with a pediatric audiologist (a hearing specialist) for a comprehensive evaluation.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Heartburn (Pregnancy)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach
Small, Frequent Meals and Upright Posture
Guidance & Use
Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Avoid spicy, fatty, or acidic foods. Do not lie down for at least 2 hours after eating. Sleep with the head and shoulders elevated using extra pillows.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE wellness practice. CAUTION: Consult a doctor before taking any over-the-counter antacids during pregnancy.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If heartburn is severe, prevents sleep, or is accompanied by upper abdominal pain (to rule out preeclampsia).
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.