A newborn’s safety is probably at the top of the list for parents, but there may be some questions about how to keep that tiny little baby safe.
Newborns, babies and toddlers can be prone to small accidents and sickness, but there are ways to help prevent those things from occurring. Below are a few of the bigger accidents seen in newborns, and some tips to help prevent them from happening.
FALLS
Yep, you read that right. Falls are a big one in newborns and not because they are walking and tripping on something (obviously!). Babies wiggle, push and scoot as soon as their little muscles make that possible. It’s easy to lay a baby on a changing table and think they wont be able to move or go anywhere, but fact of the matter is, if they swing their legs just right or push just hard enough with their arm, it might just send them over the edge. Be sure that your baby is never left along on any elevated surface. Thankfully, a lot of changing tables, etc have straps – but again don’t always trust the straps. Straps just help keep the baby a little more still. Swings and highchairs are also causes of falls in newborns. If you are using one of these for your little babe to rest your arms for a while, be sure to use the straps provided properly to ensure the safety of your baby. Once your baby starts to crawl, the risk of falling becomes even greater; especially with stairs. Purchase a baby gate to guard off dangerous areas like stairs until your child can properly climb up and down with ease.
SLEEP
The American Academy of Pediatrics currently advises that all babies sleep on their back... the “Back is Best” campaign. This was released in an effort to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) in babies. It has been found that when infants sleep on their back, SIDS risk is significantly reduced. The following list includes recommendations for safe sleep:
- Flat, firm surface
- Tight fitting sheet
- No toys or stuffed animals in the crib with baby (risk of suffocation)
- No blankets
Being sure that the surface is both firm and flat is very important. It is easy to think a baby would sleep well on a nice fluffy couch or snuggled up in a lazy boy chair while mom or dad also naps; but, it is very easy for baby to suffocate on these soft surfaces. Because their neck muscles are not fully developed, if they get stuck face down on the soft surface, it can become very difficult for them to lift their head up and out of the “fluff” of the surface. This is why, hard and firm is best.
Sometimes, parents have issue with not providing their baby with a blanket, but babies can very easily become entangled in blankets while tossing and turning and this increases the risk of suffocation. There are many items out there to help keep your baby warm while sleeping without a blanket. For example, there are nice fleece sleepers – especially for those winter months! Wearable or zipper blankets for babies, which are almost like a dress, but fully enclose around your baby's feet, so no risk of entanglement.
CAR SEAT SAFETY
Studies performed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggest that a proper installation of the right car seat for your baby can greatly decrease the risk of injury. In fact, they state that 59 percent of child car safety seats are not installed correctly. It is very important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation. If you are ever unsure if you have installed the car seat correctly, or have questions, call your local Pregnancy Center, Sheriff’s Office or Health Dept so they can help you get to the right person who is trained in car seat installation and safety. There are guidelines available for when to switch baby to forward facing vs. rear facing. Be sure that you are checking the weight and height limits prior to making any changes to your child’s car seat. Last, but not least, make sure anytime your vehicle is in motion, that your little one is securely strapped into the car seat.
WRAP UP
The safety of your newborn is so important and there can be so many questions and concerns as a new parent. Do not hesitate to reach out to the many resources available to you to help you answers those questions and to calm your concerns. Come see us at PLC Health Clinic for more information and safety tips for your newborn! Call us at 419-238-9177 or visit our website at www.plchealthclinic.org
*Sources available
