Bedbugs are a common household problem. They thrive in warm, dry places, and are often found in mattresses. If your baby has pink or red bumps and lines on their skin, then that’s a sign that you have bedbugs in your home, says LiveStrong.
Complications
While they feed on blood to survive, they don’t carry fatal or life-threatening diseases. However, as painless as their bites might be, they can be incredibly itchy. That could cause babies to scratch at the bites, which could result in breaks in the skin or even deeper wounds. This could also lead to even more rashes or skin problems that are much, much worse. That’s the last thing you want to happen.
Protective Measures
To protect your baby against bedbugs, make sure to always be on the lookout for these parasites. Be sure to change the beddings once a week. Vacuum around the room as well. This helps eliminate bedbugs from your home. Also consider using a crib mattress encasement. That way, you can easily keep your baby’s mattress clean. You only need to take care of the beddings to ensure your baby’s sleeping environment is safe from bedbugs and possible allergens.
Treatment
If your baby ends up with bites, then bring your child to the doctor right away. Have the baby’s condition checked out to make sure you know what you’re dealing with and what possible treatment options might be best for the baby. Some use an oatmeal bath to help ease the itching. Ask your doctor for advice before you try anything, though.
Removal
If there are signs of an infestation, make sure to submerge all the beddings, along with the curtains and everything else from your baby’s bed in hot water. Wash and dry them with a hot dryer to kill off any of the parasites. Vacuum the crib and room thoroughly. Make sure you get the carpet out and have that washed as well.
