Safety Tips for Parents of Newborns
- Baby needs breast milk only. Do not give him water because his kidneys are still developing and they may let his salt level drop too low when fed water.
- Do not feed Baby cereals, baby foods or honey at this time as his intestines are not ready for these things and serious diseases (anemia, allergies, botulism) may result.
- If you have decided to feed Baby with formula, be certain to use clean water (bottled with fluoride or boiled tap), measure the water after boiling (not before, because some will evaporate) and mix exactly as instructed on the formula can.
- When laying Baby down to sleep, lay her facing up in her crib. This will lower her risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Give “Tummy Time” only when you will be at her side watching her.
- Do not place thick blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, toys or soft mattress covers in her crib because this increases Baby’s risk of SIDS.
- Use a rear facing car seat in your car’s back seat to transport your precious baby. Your baby is worth taking the extra time to ensure that the car seat base is well fastened and that Baby is well fastened in the buckles without thick jackets in between. Ask for help from your local Fire Station if you are not sure about installing the car seat.
- Do not prop Baby’s bottle up with a pillow. This allows her to swallow more air, increases her risk of choking and sets her up for ear infections. Feed her in your arms.
- Never leave Baby on a bed or other high place for even a moment as he may fall and break his collarbone. Instead set him in his crib with the rails up or on a blanket on the floor if you need to step away for a moment.
- Avoid crowded places and ask children to wash their hands before touching Baby. Fever in a baby is 100.4 degrees (per rectum) and requires prompt evaluation.
- Baby proof your home: Make sure that mirrors or pictures hanging above the changing table are well fastened. Remind siblings that baby cannot have small objects. Watch out for baby jewelry (bracelets) with objects dangling. Set water heater to 1200F.