Keeping Your Baby Safe
Becoming a new parent is a blessing in so many ways. Along with all of the amazing first moments of becoming new parents, there are also challenges, such as keeping your child out of harm’s way. You can ensure you are creating a safe space for your baby to grow, learn and play. We’ve put together our top 7 tips for keeping your baby safe and making you worry-free!
- Co-Sleeping Risks
For many new parents, it can be reassuring to keep your little one close while sleeping. However, despite some possible pros, sharing a bed with your infant can introduce many dangerous safety risks such as rolling on top of them or suffocation. To avoid the risks of sharing a bed with your infant, consider putting a crib or bassinet next to your bed. This will allow you to keep your little one close-by, without being a safety hazard.
- Car Seat 101
It is not uncommon to want to see your little one’s glowing face in your rearview mirror while driving, especially when they are fussy. However, before a child hits one year of age, their head is substantially disproportionate to their body, causing harm if facing forward during an accident. During impact, their head will fall forward more dramatically, increasing the likelihood and severity of spinal cord and neck injuries. Ensure your child’s safety by keeping them in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least one-year-old and 20 pounds.
- Staircase Precaution
One moment your child is playing with their toys and the next they have made their way to the staircase. Each year more than 8,000 children are treated in emergency rooms due to fall-related incidents. It only takes a second for your child to wander over to the staircase when you aren’t looking. Restrict your child’s access to the staircase with a baby gate or fence. A properly installed baby gate will protect your little one from potential danger, even when you turn around for a second.
- Pet Danger
Pets are a special part of our families. However, it is important to remember that accidents happen and in the end they are an animal. With over 100,000 children being treated each year for dog bites, it is crucial to never leave them unattended with the family pet, just to be safe. In addition to never leaving your children and animals unattended together, teach your children to be gentle with them and remember to keep the dog or cat food out of reach.
- Baby Proof Outlets
We constantly use electrical outlets throughout our everyday lives and, unfortunately, your baby’s safety was not in mind when they were designed. Each year approximately 2,400 children suffer from burns and severe shocks caused by items being poked into electrical outlets. Safety proofing the outlets around your home can prevent serious injury and is very easy to do. The most cost effective way to prevent your child from being injured by electrical outlets is with electrical outlet caps or plugs.
- Pointed Corner Trauma
As a new parent it is important to remember your baby will fall, and often. Protecting them from potentially disastrous scenarios will be helpful for everyone. Look for areas of your living space you can soften up, such as the sharp edges of the coffee table, side tables, and even some couches. Furniture padding will not only be the safest option, but it will look the best as well!
- Play It Safe with Water
Watch kids when they are in or around water, without being distracted. Keep young children within arm’s reach of an adult. Check the water temperature with your wrist or elbow before giving your baby a bath. Set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalds.