Top 5 Newborn Safety: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

At This Stage of Development (0-6 months)

• Have a weak neck and heavy head, needing support at all times
• Start wiggling and pushing with their feet at 2 months
• Roll over, reach, and grab at 4 months
• Have thin skin, prone to burns from hot water, food, liquids, and sun rays

Top Safety Concerns

• Falling from beds, couches, and change tables
• Choking on liquids or small pieces
• Suffocating in unsafe sleep conditions
• Burns from hot bath water or spilled hot liquids
• Car crashes
• Drowning (even in shallow water)

Safety at Home

• Prepare everything before bath time: Make sure you have all the necessary items, such as towels, washcloths, and baby shampoo, within arm’s reach.
• Check bath water temperature: Use your forearm to test the water temperature. It should feel lukewarm, not hot or cold.
• Support your baby’s head and neck: Always support your baby’s head and neck during bath time to prevent injury.
• Ensure safe sleep conditions:
  • Use an empty crib or bassinet
  • Avoid bumper pads, heavy blankets, or stuffed animals
  • Remove bibs and clothing with cords and strings before sleep
• Use change table strap or change on the floor: Never leave your baby unattended on a change table.
• Place baby seats and play equipment on the floor: Avoid placing baby seats or play equipment on elevated surfaces.
• Avoid leaving your baby alone on couches, chairs, or beds: Always supervise your baby when they’re on a couch, chair, or bed.
• Use covered mugs for hot liquids: Prevent spills and burns by using covered mugs.
• Save local poison control numbers: Keep the numbers handy in case of an emergency.

Safety on the Road

• Drive slowly and cautiously: Avoid sudden movements or sharp turns.
• Use a rear-facing car seat: Install a rear-facing car seat on every ride, and read the instructions carefully while travelling.
• Buckle all harness parts: Tighten the harness snugly to prevent injury.
• Dress your baby in light layers: Add blankets after buckling to prevent overheating.
• Remove your baby from the car seat: When arriving at your destination, remove your baby from the car seat to prevent suffocation.

Safety at Play

• Use teething toys and gentle gum massages: Avoid teething jewelry, which can be a choking hazard.
• Avoid baby walkers with wheels: Opt for play centers like “exersaucers” instead.
• Follow age recommendations: Choose toys and products suitable for your baby’s age.
• Enjoy playtime together: Engage with your baby during playtime, and choose larger toys without sharp edges, magnets, or batteries.
• Remove toys from the crib: Before sleep, remove toys from the crib to prevent suffocation.
• Remove mobiles: When your baby can sit or pull themselves up, remove mobiles to prevent entanglement.

Conclusion