Hello I'm a new dad and I have a 2 month old boy and he's constantly scratching me either with his feet or hand especially during feeding/if he gets upset. I'm just wondering if there's any ways to get him to sort of understand that it hurts as I also have eczma so the pain is a lot more for me as he gets the places that are flared up. Me and my partner have tried scratch mitts but he hates them .
Hi there
At 2 months his lack of understanding means there’s no way to train him right now, so it will be down to you taking extra precautions when feeding him.
You can cover your arms with a long sleeved top and also make sure his nails are well trimmed. I know it’s scary cutting a baby’s nails... in the “old days” we used to bite them off, as it was a lot easier than using baby scissors. If you’re unsure, or nervous, ask your health visitor to show you what to do, or someone in your family that has plenty of experience, your mum or grandmother perhaps.
Cradling a baby whilst feeding isn’t essential, you could try putting him in a chair and adjust it to the right angle for feeding. You could also try a swaddling blanket, which tucks his arms and legs inside so he can’t scratch... most baby’s feel secure when wrapped up, so he may like it. Socks or booties or a baby grow that covers his feet will also help.
All the best
Okay thank you for the reply I'll continue with covering myself with my covers when I find him at night and I'll just keep something to cover me when I feed him. In regards to swaddling he seems completely against it as he kicks himself free. Also do you have any tips for me being a new dad?? As I've not spoke to any dad's about being a New parent
Hi,
all i can suggest is be a hands-on dad. nappy changes, baths, feeding, putting baby to sleep etc.ignore if your already like this. our first child had very bad ezcema at around 6 months stage. was a nightmare. she would just stay up all night, scratching her arms. Thank God it wore off after about age 2. that hydrocortisone/steroid creams made a big difference.
A baby that is swaddled properly shouldn’t be able to wriggle free!
Is there anything specific you need help with Tom?
The first few months are hard, all newborns seem to do is feed and sleep continuously, especially if you’re demand feeding, or you have a hungry baby. I think it’s great that you’re sharing the night feeds with your partner, lack of sleep can be an issue, so don’t be afraid to catch up when you can.
All the best
Hi Tom182, how are things going with you and your baby boy?
Hello Tom182,
I'm guessing you're little one will be a 1 year old now? You mentioned about some tips on being a new dad. As a mum and looking at things from that perspective, just always try to keep communication open between you and your partner, try to make some time for each other, even if its a quick cup of coffee and cake, so you can enjoy one another's company. Having a small child is hard work, but the best thing. Also don't be afraid to tell your partner how you are feeling, for example of you've had a tough day, or you need to discuss a parenting issue.
Enjoy being a dad - time flies and now our son is 20 this year!
On the eczema issue, our son had it from four months old. He too would knock off mitts, but we found that he loved baths, so used a special oilatum liquid in the bath water which helped to soothe his skin. Also another great tip is infusing porridge oats into bath water. This also settles the skin. Put some oats into a piece of muslin type fabric and hang over the tap so the oats are made wet.
I hope you and your partner are enjoying watching your son grow.
All the best,
Parent Support Volunteer, Fegans