Tip of the Week: Developmental Support

Did you know that the state of Illinois provides a wide range of early
intervention services? They're free to eligible children up to age 3 and can
help with developmental challenges related to vision, hearing, speech, fine
and gross motor skills, self-help skills, behavior and nutrition.

Here are three ways the Illinois Early Intervention programs can help:

   - A therapist will work at least monthly with children and their families
   to provide education, intervention and environmental support.
   - The therapist will also evaluate the child's and family's needs and
   will review activities for parents and caregivers to do with the child.
   - The therapist will provide training, evaluations and assistance for a
   child's specific challenges.

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s development, it's
better to be safe than sorry. Through early intervention, these obstacles
often can be tackled and overcome. Visit Illinois Early Intervention's Web
site at http://www.eiclearinghouse.org/ei_home.html to find out more about
the support the state offers to families.

Tip of the Week: Bottoms Up!

Caring for new babies can be very stressful, and as mothers we strive to
keep them comfortable and healthy. Still, even with the best care and
caution, babies can end up with diaper rash. Here are several
recommendations from the American Academy
of Family Physicians that can help you
and your baby avoid this uncomfortable condition:

1) Check your baby's diaper often and change it as soon as it's soiled.
2) Carefully clean your baby's bottom between diaper changes. Use warm water
with -- or without -- a very mild soap.
3) Let your baby's skin dry completely before putting on another diaper.
4) Avoid baby wipes that are scented or contain alcohol.
5) Use ointments that contain zinc oxide (such as Desitin) or petroleum
(such as Vaseline) to protect your baby's skin from moisture.
6) Avoid plastic pants or diapers with plastic edges.
7) After your baby's bath, pat his or her bottom dry with a towel instead of
rubbing it. Rubbing can irritate your baby's sensitive skin.
8) If your baby's diaper rash persists, change the brand of wipes, diapers
or soap you're using and consult your doctor.