Foster Care-Drug Babies

FEEDING THE BABY

Check nipple holes for blockage. Never enlarge the hole to allow for a more rapid feeding. Several different shapes and sizes of nipples are available at your pharmacy.
Make sure the nipple is placed on top of the infant's tongue.
Feed smaller amounts of formula at more often intervals.
Find out from the doctor the amount of formula the baby requires to avoid overfeeding.
Feed the baby when he first shows signs of hunger, don't allow the baby to become frantic. Some babies may take smaller amounts every two hours.
Always hold the infant while feeding. This is a wonderful opportunity to allow the infant to get to know you and develop a very important bond.
If the baby is sucking poorly, support chin and both cheeks to increase sucking ability.
When spoon feeding, use a soft coated spoon and move the spoon slowly and gently.
Try serving the baby's food warm at all meals, seems to cut down on the gas and upset stomach
.
A dill pickle. Yes, that's right--a dill pickle. It has some of the same chemical properties as common aspirin, and comforts the baby. But--BE SURE TO PLACE IT IN A CLOTH OR SOCK--so the baby won't chunk off a piece and choke.

WHAT TO DO FOR DIARRHEA

Diarrhea can be quite serious to fragile infants.

If the baby shows signs of dehydration, call a doctor immediately.
Encourage the baby to drink extra water or clear fluids
(apple juice may work best)
Rice cereal and bananas may be helpful--

always check with your doctor before
you change the baby's formula.

SPITTING UP, VOMITING
AND PROJECTILE VOMITING

Take extra time to burp the baby, gently and frequently (every ounce or two). If the baby has difficulty burping, try rubbing the baby's back in a gentle CIRCULAR motion
Be sure to TIP THE FORMULA to the nipple end of the bottle so no air gets into the baby's stomach
Feed baby slowly so the baby will not gulp or suck vigorously.
A calm atmosphere may help
Avoid over manipulation during feeding to keep the baby calm
After feeding, allow the baby to sit up for about half an hour. This will allow the formula time to be digested.
Keep skin clean with mild soap and water immediately after infant has vomited, because stomach contents can irritate and damage skin.
Call the doctor immediately if the baby vomits in a violent manner or if the baby vomits continually for several hours. The baby may be in danger of becoming dehydrated.

Always keep an eye on baby's calorie intake. A crying fretful baby will burn up a lot more calories.

Watch out for a reaction when you have the baby on a new mediction, even something like an over the counter cough syrup.

COMFORTING BABY

For FRANTIC SUCKING of fists
Use infant shirts with sewn-in sleeves or mitts to prevent damage to skin.
White toddler socks come in handy to cover the baby's hands
Keep fingernails trimmed to prevent damage to skin
If infant skin is damaged (scratched or irritated), keep affected area clean with mild soap and water or baby wash.
Use a pacifier
Check for abdominal discomfort; burp baby to ensure that the infant doesn't have gas trapped in stomach.
VERTICAL ROCKING
Some babies may prefer to be rocked up and down.
Hold the baby close to your body and rock the baby slowly and gently.
GAS CRAMPS
Exercise the baby's legs to relieve gas cramps.

WALKERS ARE NEVER TO BE USED when a baby has been exposed to drugs. The walker can increase muscle tone in hips and legs that can be very damaging. The jumping type swings can also be very damaging. Make sure if the baby in in a swing or seat that his feet cannot touch the ground.
Try serving the baby's food warm at all meals. This seems to cut down on the gas and upset stomach.
DIAPER RASH
1 part Desitin, 1 part Vaselin, 1 part cornstarch
Dyprotex mixed with corn starch
Latrimin cream
silvadene cream
Diaper Derm
Some treatments may be very irritating to the baby's skin so always keep your doctor informed when you try new things.
FUSSING
Try a frozen ring when the baby is teething, but be careful that the seam doesn't irritate the baby's mouth.

Tape the sound of the vacuum cleaner, old fashioned clock ticking, the hum of a fish bowl filter, or an electric fan.

The "Sound of waves" or "Sound of rain" Tapes or CD's are very calming too.

Warm up the Blanket before you wrap the baby.
Be sure to bring the baby's arms to mid-line when you wrap them. (Close to the center of their chest).

Sheep skin or lamb's wool is very soothing. You can find it at fabric stores or hospital supply places.

A ride in the car soothes the baby
A warm bath is soothing too.

Mobiles and music boxes are too stimulating for a drug exposed baby. Introduce new stimuli only when the baby is alert and responsive

Soft lighting helps. Rock the baby in a dimly lit room.

When feeding a bottle to a fretful baby, try placing a sheet or light blanket over the baby and you. It will eliminate distracting sights and lights. (Like a tent).

A dill pickle
Again, the dill pickle. It has some of the same chemical properties as common aspirin, and comforts the baby. But--BE SURE TO PLACE IT IN A CLOTH OR SOCK--so the baby won't chunk off a piece and choke.

EQUIPMENT

Front Pack--try walking the baby in a front pack. They will have the opportunity to stay close to you all day while your hands can do other things. (I've seen this to be very successful for both mom and baby)
The baby swing
Cotton knit sheets and shirts are less irritating to the baby's skin
Playtex nursers have been recommended for most babies. But don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bottles and nipples.
Gentle baby detergent for washing their clothes.