Top Tips for minimising New Baby Allergies... • If your baby is born with


Did you know that 50% of young children in the UK now suffer from some sort of allergy, much higher than a generation ago?


Research indicates that some allergies are genetic; however some can be triggered by environmental factors with babies being the most sensitive to these.


Key advice would be: • To protect their skin, bathe your new baby in just plain water for the first month


• Use a non-biological clothes washing product


• Consider using natural sheepskin rugs and liners for your baby to lie on


• Do not smoke around infants and young children


• Avoid spraying chemical cleaners or deodorants around your baby


Which car seat?


Understanding which car seat is right for your baby or toddler can be a daunting task! Our guidance below should help you choose the right seat for your baby & older siblings too.


• By law children have to use an appropriate seat up until they are 12 or they are 1metre 35cm in height. The seat should be appropriate to the child’s height and weight as age is not an accurate guide. Not all child seats fit all cars so always go to a retailer where you can ‘Try Before You Buy’.


• Avoid second hand seats, as they could have already been involved in an accident.


Type Rearward facing Baby seats


Rearward and Forward facing Combination seats


Booster seats and cushions Booster seats and cushions


Small Steps 8


• Never fit a rear-facing baby seat with an active airbag. In a crash at 30mph an unrestrained child would be thrown forward with a force 30 to 60 times its own weight.


• Follow the instructions for your child car seat carefully and keep the instructions safe - you may not be the only person who has to fit the seat. Check the seat is tightly fitted before every journey.


Stage Group 1


Weight (approx age)


Group 0 and Group 0+


2 Group 0+ & 1


3 4


Group 2 Group 3


Up to 10kg (birth to 6-9 mths) Up to 13kg (birth to 12-15 mths)


9 – 18kg (9 mths approx - 4 yrs)


15 – 25kg (4 - 6 yrs) 22 – 36kg (6 - 12 yrs)


For information & advice visit: www.childcarseats.org.uk


or develops very dry skin, ask for advice from your GP, midwife, or health visitor. There are special creams and bath products available on prescription, made specifically for very young babies


• Seek early treatment of eczema and other skin conditions as this may halt other allergy development


• Nappy rash is common in all babies. However, seek medical advice if the rash spreads outside the nappy area, or the skin is broken or weeping


More help can be found at Allergy UK, the leading national charity dedicated to supporting the estimated 21 million allergy sufferers in the UK - www.allergyuk.org


Visit www.smallstepsonline.co.uk for more parenting tips and advice.


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