Getting Easier

I think we're getting this NAM thing down. The bandaid, while it held for over 24 hours, wouldn't come off of the dot. I had to take off the adhesive cover because the bandaid ripped off around it! So those are out. I tired that regular, white first-aid tape, but it was way too stiff and just a little too wide. So we're back to the Transpore. Taping it to the dot's adhesive cover works the best. The transport hangs over a little and sticks to his cheek on each side of the dot which seems to stop it sliding so much. Whew! So here's our routine;

Before getting started, I put the following in easy reach of the boppy - rubber band tapes (assembled ahead of time by Dad and stored in a tupperware)extra tape, burp cloth, q tips (lots!) alcohol, Eucerin, cup of water, baby toothbrush (pre-moistened with a little baby toothpaste already on it.) Then Jake gets swaddled and tucked in the boppy.

1. Remove one tape.
2. Using a q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol, remove any adhesive from cheek. (watch out for the eyes! Jake is usually squirming plenty by now!)
3. Apply a thin layer of Eucerin calming cream to any irritated spots on cheek and rub in gently.
4. Put on new tape.
5. Repeat with the other side.
6. Remove NAM.
7. Check for any sore spots inside mouth.
8. Using a q-tip moistened with nasal saline spray, carefully remove any dried bogers from cleft. Carefully!
9. Gently brush gums and tongue with baby toothbrush and a teeny bit of baby toothpaste. Watch out for the exposed sinus - it's very sensitive!
10. Rinse brush and gently brush again with water to remove any toothpaste residue.
11. Dip NAM in water and brush off any formula residue.
12. Replace NAM while still damp.
13. Give baby cuddles and allow him to relax before doing anything else for a while!

This is just what we do and is not intended to replace your Dr's advice. But it works for Jake ;)