Protecting Your Bundle of Joy
From the moment you bring your baby into this world, you play an important role in keeping them safe. Whether you are a first-time parent, or you have other children, this can be a stressful time as you want to do everything possible to ensure your baby is protected and cared for appropriately.
“Most injuries can be prevented, and parents and caregivers play a significant role in making sure their children stay safe. When it comes to making choices regarding your baby, safety should never be compromised," said Chesse Hall, RN, BSN, Nurse Home Visitor, Nurse-Family Partnership, Acenda.
During September, and every day of the year, safety should be top of mind.
Expert Tips for Baby Safety
1. Baby-proof the home. Before bringing your baby home, it’s important to make sure the environment is safe. The best way to do this is to get down on your hands and knees and think like a baby.
Take care of electrical issues, wobbly or loose furniture, hanging tablecloths, dangling cords, and potential choking hazards. If an item is small enough to fit through an empty toilet paper roll, it poses a choking risk. You need to inspect all rooms and implement any safety measures needed.
Budget Tip: Use outlet covers, cord organizers, and furniture anchors, which are often available at dollar stores.
2. Never leave your baby alone. Whether on a bed, sofa, changing table, infant seat, or in the tub, a baby can fall or roll over easily. It only takes a split second for an accident to happen.
3. Car safety. It is important to make sure the car seat is the appropriate size and is positioned correctly in the car. Be sure to check your state's car seat laws, as all 50 states have their own requirements. And always remember to replace car seats after a car accident.
Budget Tip: Your local fire department can assist with car seat checks and installations. You can also use this article by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration to find a Child Safety Seat Inspection Station.
4. Sleep safety. Make sure the crib is sturdy with no cutouts and the mattress is firm, flat, and fits properly. Babies should always be placed on their backs for every sleep. Always use a monitor when the baby is sleeping or napping so you can hear and/or see what they're doing.
Never use blankets, pillows, bumpers, or toys in the crib, as they could present a choking or suffocation hazard. Avoiding choking and suffocation hazards in the crib reduces the possibility of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Budget Tip: Sleep sacks are a great alternative to blankets and can be found at second-hand stores or through community giveaways.
5. Smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide safety. Never smoke around your baby. Make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are working and that you have at least one fire extinguisher in the home.
Budget Tip: Many fire departments offer free smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to families in their community.
6. Take care of yourself. Parenting is stressful and can be overwhelming. Be sure to make time to check in with your mental and physical wellbeing. If you need extra help taking care of your mental health, reach out to a counselor or therapist for help. Being the healthiest and happiest version of yourself will only help you better care for your little ones.
Budget Tip: Research parenting support groups or free counseling services offered by local organizations.
7. Sun Safety. Always prioritize sun safety when you and your family are out and about. Regardless of the weather, it’s important to protect your baby from UV rays. Dressing children in long sleeves, pants, and hats when it’s sunny out can help to safeguard their skin. Avoid applying sunscreen to children under one year of age, as their sensitive skin could react poorly.
Budget Tip: Visit your local thrift store or community center to find affordable clothes to keep your baby's skin protected from the sun.
8. Vaccine Safety. Keeping up to date on vaccines and check-ups is key to your baby’s health. Vaccinating your child is the best way to prevent long-term illness. For more information on vaccine safety, see this article by the Mayo Clinic and this CDC post that recommends vaccines by age.
Budget Tip: Many health departments offer free or low-cost vaccination clinics throughout the year.
Conclusion
We know that becoming a parent is an extremely happy and stressful time. Keeping your baby safe is your top priority, but it can be hard to remember all the dos and don'ts when the time comes. By acknowledging the risks to babies, you can properly address them ahead of time.
If you need help or have questions regarding baby safety, check out Acenda's services for new and expectant parents or call Connecting NJ at (856) 431-4180. We are here to support you in your parenthood journey.
Click on the button below to check out Acenda's New and Expectant Parent resources.
About the Author
Riley de Jong, Communications Strategist at Acenda, attended the University of California – Los Angeles for her undergraduate degree in Communication and minor in Entrepreneurship. She enjoys supporting her community, telling engaging stories, and connecting with others.
Sources
Safe Kids Worldwide - Baby Safety