• Choose the right sunscreen, apply it to dry skin, and reapply frequently!

The sunscreen we choose for our children should provide protection against UVA and against UVB and have a high protection factor (SPF 50+)The reason we choose sunscreen with a high protection factor for children is that we never use a sufficient amount, nor do we reapply it as often as we should. As a result, the level of protection it provides can be reduced by up to 50%.

The application of sunscreen should be done on dry skin and repeated every 2 hours.No matter how water-resistant the sunscreen we chose is, when the child goes in and out of the sea or is sweating, it needs to be reapplied more frequently than every 2 hours.

The photoprotective filters used in sunscreens can be either physical or chemical. Physical filters act like millions of mirrors that reflect ultraviolet radiation, while chemical filters convert ultraviolet radiation into infrared, which is harmless to the skin. The sunscreens with physical filters have high skin tolerance and rarely cause irritation, making them safe for protecting children with sensitive or atopic skin. They provide protection from the moment of application, but due to their dense texture, they are difficult to spread and often require a large amount for proper application. sunscreens with chemical filters have a thin texture, making their application easy, and they require a smaller amount for complete protection. However, to act effectively, they need to be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure, and they may cause irritation to children with sensitive or compromised skin barriers. There are also sunscreens with new technology that contain a combination of natural and chemical filters,significantly reducing the disadvantages of both categories.

• Cover your children's bodies with appropriate clothing!

Especially for infants under six months,for whom sunscreen use is not recommended, the only way to protect them when you cannot avoid sun exposure is to cover their bodies with clothing.Make sure, however, that sunlight does not penetrate the fabric by placing your hand under the clothing. If you can't see it, then the fabric is suitable for sun exposure. Generally, the denser the weave of a fabric and the darker its color, the greater the sun protection it provides. In recent years, specially designed clothing with high protection against ultraviolet radiation is available on the market effective bothin and out of the water.

• Choose a wide-brimmed hat and don't forget sunglasses!

Teach your baby to wear a hat from the first months of life, so that they get used to it and don't resist wearing it later. Choose a wide-brimmed hat that protects not only the face but also the neck and ears of your child. Remember sunglasses because the delicate skin around the eyes is very vulnerable to the effects of sun exposure, and the ocular lens in infants and children has increased permeability to ultraviolet radiation.

• Avoid sun exposure between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and on cloudy days!

Even if you think your children will stay constantly under the umbrella, its shadow is not enough to protect them during midday hours. Cloudy days are extremely dangerous because we tend to neglect sun protection measures then. Remember that up to 80% of ultraviolet radiation can penetrate through clouds!

• Protect your children from the sun not only at the beach but also in your backyard!

Sun protection measures are necessary in any activity involving continuous sun exposure exceeding 15 minutes, not only at the beach but also on walks, bike rides, playground games, in the square, even in your home's backyard!

Remember that children mimic the habits of their parents. Set a positive example, adopt appropriate sun protection measures for yourself, and create unforgettable summer memories safely together!

Dr. Eleni Plessa - Tel.: 6941583838

The road to exclusive breastfeeding starts from the maternity ward!

Ask your gynecologist to ensure that you are allowed skin-to-skin contact with your baby during the first hour after delivery. Inform the head of the maternity department that you do not wish to give your newborn formula. Make sure to have your baby constantly by your side, choosing rooming-in with the mother-infant pair in the delivery room 24 hours a day. The newborn will be separated from the mother only if necessary for an examination that cannot be performed in the hospital room.

• How often and for how long should I breastfeed my baby?

One of the most important aspects of exclusive breastfeeding success is to understand that there is NO schedule! We breastfeed our newborns as often as they ask and for as long as they desire.

• Should I use a breast pump to monitor if I have the right amount of milk?

No! Insufficient milk supply is a very rare condition. Pumping milk and then offering it to the baby with a bottle is a tiresome process that deprives both the mother and the baby of the joy of breastfeeding. Moreover, it can confuse the newborn and lead to nipple confusion because the effort required to breastfeed is different from that needed to extract milk from a bottle. For the same reason, we also avoid using a pacifier for at least the first 40 days of life, a period during which breastfeeding is established.

• How can I know that my milk is enough for my baby to grow properly?

You can monitor your baby's urination and the number of bowel movements. These are clinical signs that give us a good estimate of their hydration status. However, the most objective way to determine if the newborn is being fed adequately is through weight gain. A baby who gains weight appropriately for their age leaves no room for concern about insufficient milk supply.

• What is the best breastfeeding position?

The only prerequisites are for the mother to feel comfortable and for the baby to be able to latch onto the entire areola and not just the nipple to avoid injuries. Also, it's better for the baby's head to be in a straight position and for the nose to be close to your chest but not obstructed by it, so they can breathe without interrupting breastfeeding.

• How can the father help his partner?

We must not forget the role of the father in establishing breastfeeding! The new mother needs encouragement, support, and care. It's important for the breastfeeding mother to rest while the baby sleeps. Therefore, the father will need to help as much as possible with household chores and the care of older children. This way, the mother can focus on the newborn, and breastfeeding will be established much more quickly.

Finally, remember not to interrupt breastfeeding because your baby has jaundice or because you have mastitis and need to take antibiotics. Your pediatrician will help you manage these two conditions without depriving your baby of the valuable benefits of breast milk.

Trust your body, follow your baby's lead, and enjoy every moment!

Dr. Eleni Plessa - Tel.: 6985022663

The anticipation of the arrival of a new member creates great excitement but also some concerns in the family. The prenatal pediatric counseling visit is your first meeting with the pediatrician, even before your baby arrives. It's an opportunity to get useful answers to all the questions that concern you about the proper care of the newborn.

Meeting the pediatrician before childbirth and establishing a relationship of trust early on gives you a sense of security and allows you to enjoy the first days of your baby's life without anxiety, knowing that you have a valuable ally by your side to face any difficulties together.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended prenatal visits to the pediatrician since the 1980s. It is particularly useful for parents who are expecting their first child, planning to adopt, or experiencing high-risk pregnancies or multiple pregnancies. Ideally, it should take place in the early third trimester of pregnancy, and both parents should participate.

During this meeting, there is a thorough discussion about breastfeeding and the actions you should take from the first hour of your baby's life to succeed in breastfeeding exclusively. The days you spend in the maternity ward are crucial for establishing breastfeeding, so proper guidance during pregnancy can be particularly helpful for first-time mothers who want to breastfeed. Common questions are answered, such as how often to breastfeed, whether you need to wake your baby to feed, how to know if your milk is enough to meet their needs, and when to use a breast pump.

In rare cases where breastfeeding is contraindicated or if the mother, despite being informed about the many benefits of breastfeeding, does not wish to breastfeed, instructions are given for the proper preparation of formula.

Additionally, detailed instructions are provided for the daily care of the newborn and the necessary equipment to avoid mishandling and unnecessary expenses. It's a good opportunity to resolve your concerns about pacifier use, umbilical cord care, the right frequency of bathing, water temperature, air conditioning use, and protecting your baby from insect bites.

Special emphasis is placed on creating the appropriate conditions for safe sleep and avoiding sudden infant death syndrome. Furthermore, preparation for the safe transportation of the newborn in the car, which should be ensured even for discharge from the maternity ward, is important.

Other concerns that usually occupy expectant parents relate to their family and broader social environment. In our first meeting, we'll have the opportunity to discuss how you can prepare your older children for the arrival of the newborn, whether visits from relatives and friends are allowed, whether it's safe for the newborn to interact with pets, and when you can take walks with your baby.

Your baby's crying often causes anxiety for new parents. Therefore, it will be very useful for you to become familiar with some soothing techniques and learn to recognize when the crying is simply a normal means of communication and when it indicates pain or illness.

Prenatal counseling is very important not only for parents but also for the pediatrician, who through taking the family history can examine the possibility of hereditary diseases and recommend appropriate intervention. It also allows for checking the vaccination coverage of all family members, which is an important preventive measure to protect the newborn from dangerous infectious diseases.

After the end of the prenatal counseling meeting, you should feel confident that you can consult your pediatrician every time a new concern arises and that all your worries will be addressed with understanding and respect!

Remember, there are no silly questions. Prepare your own list of questions and call us to schedule our first meeting!

Dr. Eleni Plessa - Pediatrician

Τηλ. 6941583838 – 2111828447