It can be hard to know what you’re doing when you have a baby. There are so many new things to learn and remember, from how to change a diaper to how to get them to sleep through the night. But one of the most important things you need to do is keep your baby safe. The majority of moms with newborns under the age of one place items such as blankets, plush toys, and bumpers in the crib with the baby. This was the outcome of a study of around 4,500 new mothers performed by American Baby and Safe Kids Worldwide. This, however, is risky and increases the baby’s risk of asphyxia. Here are some tips for new moms on how to keep their babies safe.
Don’t Put Anything Unnecessary In The Crib
This includes, but is not limited to, stuffed animals, pillows, loose blankets, duvets, and bumpers. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you only place your baby to sleep on his back in a crib with a firm mattress (with no toys or loose bedding), fitted sheet, and tight-fitting sheet. This is to prevent suffocation and SIDS. It’s important to know that duvets are not safe for new born babies since they can get caught in the baby’s face and cause suffocation. However, it is safe to use duvets once your baby is 6 months or older. Also, pillows and stuffed animals are never safe for babies. Even small items like t-shirts or bibs can be dangerous since they might be placed over the baby’s face, also causing suffocation.
Support Your Baby’s Neck And Head
When holding or placing your newborn baby in the crib, it is important to support its neck and head. When placing your baby down, it should be positioned so that its head is turned to the side and toward the mattress. This way it will be easier to keep it in a safe position while it sleeps. Also, when holding or carrying your baby, make sure that its neck and head are in a straight line with the body.
Wash Your Hands Before Handling A Baby
You always want to make sure that you are washing your hands before changing or picking up a baby. Your hands carry many germs and bacteria and can easily transfer to your baby. It is important to keep the baby safe from illness and disease by making sure you wash your hands before touching him/her. There are many different types of infections and illnesses that can be passed from you to your baby. For example, the flu virus can be passed from you to your baby, causing him/her to have respiratory problems and chest infections.
Test The Temperature Of The Water Before Putting A Baby In It
When bathing a baby, it’s important that the temperature of the water isn’t too hot or cold. Before putting your baby in the bath, test the temperature of the water by placing a few drops on your wrist. The water should be lukewarm and not hot or cold. The temperature should be around 110 degrees Fahrenheit, or 38 degrees Celsius. If you have a water thermometer, then the temperature should be around 100 degrees Fahrenheit to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, never leave your baby unattended while he/she is bathing since this increases his/her risk of drowning.
The Crib Should Meet The Safety Standards
When choosing a crib, it is important that you choose one that meets the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It should be free of any parts that can rip, break, or fall off while the baby is sleeping. If the crib meets these safety standards then it will also meet ASTM International’s standards for a safe sleep environment. In addition, there should not be anything sharp on the crib that could poke your child while he/she is sleeping.
Place The Crib Away From Windows
When setting up your baby’s room, you should place the crib away from the windows. Windows should be free of cords and any other items that the baby might try to pull down. Placing the crib next to a window poses a serious risk by giving your baby access to something he/she can climb on and fall out of the window with. It’s important that you place the crib in an area where it is safe for your baby and far away from any windows.
Install An Appliance Lock
To prevent accidents in the home, it’s important that you use an appliance lock on your kitchen appliances such as your oven and stove. This is to prevent small children from turning on these appliances and burning themselves. Appliance locks work by keeping the appliance buttons from being pressed down, thus preventing the machine from turning on. A child might still try to open the appliance, but it will make it difficult for your baby to push any of the buttons.
Make Sure Your Car Seat Is Installed Correctly
One last piece of advice is to be sure that your baby’s car seat is installed correctly. Make sure you read the manual and follow all directions when installing the car seat. In addition, make sure that your newborn is rear-facing in the back seat. This decreases your baby’s chances of being injured or killed in the event of a car accident. Also, make sure your baby’s seat is strapped in tightly. If it’s not, the seat could become loose and fall out of place while you are driving on the road. By securing his/her seat properly, you will decrease his/her chances of being thrown from the car or even injured in a car accident.
There are many different ways to keep your baby safe, and it is important that you follow all of the safety tips we have provided. These include washing your hands before handling a baby, testing the water temperature before bathing him/her, placing the crib away from windows, and installing an appliance lock. In addition, make sure your car seat is installed correctly and that your newborn is rear-facing in the backseat. Following these simple tips will help ensure that your baby stays safe and healthy.