Advise parents against using OTC cough/cold medications: Treating cough and cold (CPS)

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM): Questions should be routinely asked about the use of complementary and alternative medicine, therapy, or products, especially for children with chronic conditions. Natural Health Products (Caring for kids, CPS); Homeopathy (CPS); Chiropractic care (PCH)

Fever advice/thermometers: Fever ≥ 38oC in an infant < 3 months needs urgent evaluation. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are both effective antipyretics. Acetaminophen remains the first choice for antipyresis under 6 months of age; thereafter ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be used. Alternating acetaminophen with ibuprofen for fever control is not recommended in primary care settings as this may encourage fever phobia, and the potential risks of medication error outweigh measurable clinical benefit. Fever in the returning child traveller (CPS) | Fever and temperature taking (Caring for Kids CPS)

Footwear: Shoes are for protection, not correction. Walking barefoot develops good toe gripping and muscular strength. Footwear for children (CPS)

Oral Health - Smiles for Life

• Teething: Discomfort can be managed by providing gum massage with a cold facecloth/teething ring and appropriate use of oral analgesics. E.g. acetaminophen (all ages), or ibuprofen if ≥ 6 mos. Anaesthetics/numbing gels and teething necklaces are contraindicated. Dental devel (CDA) | Homeopathic teething products (FDA)
• Dental Cleaning: As excessive swallowing of toothpaste by young children may result in dental fluorosis, children under 3 years of age should have their teeth and gums brushed twice daily by an adult using either water (if low risk for tooth decay) or a rice grain sized portion of fluoridated toothpaste (if at caries risk). Children 3–6 years of age should be assisted during brushing and only use a small amount (e.g. pea-sized portion) of fluoridated toothpaste twice daily. Caregiver should brush child’s teeth until they develop the manual dexterity to do this alone, and should continue to intermittently supervise brushing after children assume independence. Begin flossing daily when teeth touch.
• Caries risk factors include: child has caries or enamel defects, hygiene or diet is concerning, parent has caries, premature or LBW infant, or no water fluoridation. Canadian Risk Assessment Tool | Caries-risk assessment (AAPDA)
• To prevent early childhood caries: avoid juices/sweetened liquids and constant sipping of milk or natural juices in both bottle and cup.
• Fluoride varnish should be used for those at caries risk. Consider dietary fluoride supplements only for high risk children who do not have access to systemic community water fluoridation. Fluoride & your child (CDA)
• Consider the first dentist visit by 6 months after eruption of 1st tooth or at age 1 year.