New parents are often worried about the safety of their babies. There are so many things to think about, and you don’t want your baby to be exposed to any kind of danger. We’ve put together this checklist to help you keep your newborn safe and healthy:
Safe Sleep Practices
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that newborns sleep on their backs in a crib or bassinet with a firm and flat sleep surface, free of any soft objects or loose bedding. This includes pillows, stuffed animals, and blankets.
Avoid letting your baby sleep on his stomach for the first six months because it increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Proper Feeding
In addition to following proper hygiene and feeding practices, parents must also be aware of the potential risks associated with certain baby formulas. For instance, some baby formulas may contain harmful substances that could lead to serious health conditions, such as NEC.
The recent Similac lawsuit highlights the importance of being vigilant while choosing baby formulas for your newborn. The Similac lawsuit refers to a class-action lawsuit filed against Abbott Laboratories. The lawsuit alleged that the Similac formula was linked to the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants, a severe gastrointestinal condition that can cause death.
The plaintiffs claimed that Abbott Laboratories knew or should have known about the risk of NEC but failed to warn consumers or remove the product from the market.
A leading law firm handling the Similac lawsuits, TorHoerman Law, LLC (THL), states that if your child suffered from NEC due to the consumption of Similac baby formula, it is possible to file a lawsuit against the company seeking damages. The compensation you can claim will vary depending on your case’s particulars and your region’s legal regulations.
Car Seat Safety
The most important thing to remember is that car seats should be used for as long as the baby is a newborn. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that children under the age of 1 use a rear-facing car seat at all times.
Rear-facing car seats come in various forms, such as infant-only seats, which are solely rear-facing, and convertible and all-in-one car seats, which generally have greater weight and height limits for the rear-facing position, enabling your child to remain rear-facing for an extended duration.
It’s also important to check your car seat regularly for signs of wear and tear, especially if you have younger children who may be sitting on top of an older one or if yours has been recalled and needs replacing with another brand or model entirely.
Preventing Falls
Preventing falls is an important aspect of keeping your newborn safe and healthy. Parents should ensure that their baby is on a flat and secure surface when changing their diaper or clothing. Additionally, safety straps must be used when using a changing table or bouncer seat to prevent accidental falls. B
Bathing Safety
According to the Mayo Clinic, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that sponge baths should be given to babies until the umbilical cord falls off. This can take a week or two.
To give your baby a sponge bath, you will need a flat and warm surface like a bathroom or kitchen counter, changing table, or a firm bed.
Also, you should have a soft blanket, towel, or changing pad for your baby to lie on and a free hand to ensure their safety. Make use of the safety strap, if available.
Furthermore, you will need a sink or shallow basin to hold the water and essential supplies like fragrance-free baby shampoo and soap, a washcloth, baby wipes, a clean diaper, and a change of clothes.
Handling and Holding Your Baby
Handling and holding your baby is a critical aspect of ensuring their safety and well-being. It is essential always to support your baby’s head and neck when holding them to prevent any potential injuries.
Additionally, parents should be careful when lifting or moving their newborns, as sudden movements can cause harm or discomfort.
Keeping Your Baby Warm
Keeping your baby warm is essential for their comfort and well-being, but it is crucial to dress them appropriately for the temperature to avoid overheating. Parents should use breathable fabrics and dress their newborns in layers, as it is easier to add or remove layers as necessary.
Additionally, parents should avoid using thick blankets or comforters, as they can pose a suffocation hazard. Parents can ensure their comfort by dressing their newborns appropriately for the temperature and reducing the risk of potential health complications associated with overheating.
Preventing Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUID)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, In the United States, approximately 3,400 sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) occur annually, affecting infants under 1 year of age and with no clear reason behind them. The three primary categories of SUID are
- sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS),
- unknown cause, and
- accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed.
Preventing SUID is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of your newborn. Parents can follow safe sleep practices, including placing their baby on their back to sleep and ensuring their sleeping area is free of any loose or soft bedding, pillows, or toys.
These items can pose a suffocation hazard and increase the risk of SUID.
Preventing Illness
Preventing illness is crucial for keeping your newborn safe and healthy. Parents can take several precautions to reduce the risk of infection, such as keeping their baby away from sick people, washing their hands often, and maintaining a clean and sanitary home.
Parents can also encourage visitors to wash their hands and avoid close contact with their newborns if they are sick or have been exposed to illness. By taking these precautions, parents can reduce the risk of illness and ensure their newborns are protected against potential health complications.
Make sure that any toys that come into contact with food are washed thoroughly before giving them back. This will help prevent any dangerous bacteria from spreading throughout the kitchen area where food preparation takes place daily.
Knowing When to Call a Doctor
Knowing when to call a doctor is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of your newborn. Parents should learn the signs of illness in newborns, including fever, breathing difficulties, lethargy, lack of appetite, and changes in behavior or mood.
If parents notice these symptoms or suspect their baby may be ill, they should seek medical attention immediately. It is essential to consult with a pediatrician and follow their recommendations for treatment and care.
Parents can ensure that any potential health complications are addressed promptly and effectively by being vigilant and proactive in seeking medical attention for their newborns.
Conclusion
We hope this checklist has helped you get a better sense of how to keep your baby safe and healthy. While we know that there are so many things we can’t control, we must stay vigilant about what we can do.
The best thing to remember is that babies are incredibly resilient. As long as they have the proper support from their parents and caregivers, they’ll be fine.
