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5 Things Expectant Parents Should Learn to Keep Their Babies Safe
When you are expecting a new baby, everywhere you turn there is someone waiting to give you advice. It can quickly becoVisit Siteme overwhelming. However there are a few things that every parent needs to know to keep their children safe. Surprisingly, many of these are not frequently mentioned by all of those advice givers.
One of the most important things you can learn is infant/ child CPR and First Aid. You will probably never need to use it, but if there is ever a need, you'll be glad you know it. Knowing adult CPR is not enough. The way life saving CPR is done on a baby is very different from the way it is done on an adult. In most communities you can learn CPR through a local YMCA, National Heart Association offices, through a community center, or a hospital. If you aren't sure where to find classes, contact the person you want to use as your pediatrician, or any pediatricians office, and ask if they know where you can find out about local classes. Take the time, learn how to save your baby's life.
Another life-saving thing you'll need to learn, is how to install baby's car seat properly. It sounds so simple, put the seat in the car, attach it in, and you're all set. However studies show that 70-80% of parents install their child's car seat incorrectly. An incorrectly installed car seat is dangerous as it will not protect your child as well as it should if you are in an accident. Read the instructions very carefully. If you are unsure, contact your local police department and ask if there is a local facility that does car seat inspections. Many police stations offer regular car seat inspections. These are usually free, and your child's life is so worth the effort. Click here to locate a car seat inspection station near you.
If you are considering using any used baby gear, you'll need to learn about the current safety regulations so that you can ensure that your baby will be safe in the used equipment. Car seats, for instance, are not any good if they have been in an accident in the past or if they are more than 6 years old. Accidents can lead to damaged seats and over time, the plastic on seats becomes more fragile and thus less effective. Old baby play pens used to have closures on the inside of them that were found to be dangerous, these have since been changed. Knowing what to look for to ensure a playpen is safe will let you pick out a used one that will still be safe for babies. There has also recently been a lot of information out about drop sided cribs. Companies are no longer allowed to make or sell these because of concerns about their safety. Take some time and do a little research about the products you purchase, especially if you are buying used.
Learn what is safe to have in the crib with the baby, and how to put the baby to sleep. Studies have shown that SIDS is more common among babies who have soft bedding, stuffed animals, or other items in their crib that are not safe. This surprises many people as you can easily go out and purchase bedding for babies. However, most of this bedding is actually intended for older babies who are more mobile, coordinated, and stronger. Here are a few things you should know about baby's sleep environment to keep them safe. (Taken from CPSC website)
- Place baby on his/her back on a firm, tight-fitting mattress in a crib that meets current safety standards.
- Remove pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like stuffed toys and other pillow-like soft products from the crib.
- Consider using a sleeper as an alternative to blankets with no other covering.
- If using a blanket, put baby with his or her feet at the foot of the crib. Tuck a thin blanket around the crib mattress, only as far as the baby's chest.
- Make sure your baby's head remains uncovered during sleep.
- Do not place baby on a waterbed, sofa, soft mattress, pillow or other soft surface to sleep.
As a new parent you should also learn how to correctly bathe your baby. Remember to never, ever leave the baby alone in the water, even if s/he is well supported by a baby tub. Baby bath tubs should be placed in a secure location where they will not tip or fall as you are bathing the baby. Make sure that you have the correct bath water temperature as babies have very sensitive skin.
Learning a few important things about keeping baby safe can do a lot for your peace of mind as well as for your baby's well being and help you get your baby off on the right foot to a safe, healthy life.
What's the most important baby safety tip you've received?
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