It seems like there is a new food, toy, or baby gear recall every week now.
How is a parent supposed to navigate a world where the rules and safety parameters are always changing?
Well, we can’t answer every question for you, but in our 30+ years of working with babies and families, we have learned there are some general guidelines that can helpful in most cases. Remember, this is the internet and you are welcome to disagree if this content doesn’t work for YOUR family. Parenting is a marathon, and we just want to encourage you in the race.
1. Safe Sleep
If you have spent literally any time on social media, blogs, or even local mom groups, there will be MANY discussions on what baby sleep should look like. We think there is a wide range of healthy options, but ultimately it comes down to what works best for mom and baby. However, there are some basic “rules” we teach new parents in our BabyBasics course.
-The mattress or sleeping surface should be firm.
-There should not be additional items in bed with baby (like stuffed animals, blankets, crib decorations, etc.)
-If co-sleeping, avoid alcohol and anything else that could alter your body's natural sensitivity to baby's presence.
-If a baby is left alone in a sleeping area, make sure there is no possibility of them falling off, like on a couch or the parent’s bed.
2. Safe Toys
It should be noted that babies can enjoy basically anything, however, there are certainly options that limit the potential for accidents or injury.
-Soft, one piece items
--Items with rounded edges or corners
-Always check if an item has batteries, and if it does, make certain they cannot be dislodged.
-Avoid items with long strings or cords that could get wrapped around a limb or baby's neck
-Not sure about something? Only use if you are in the room!
-Periodically check for loose or broken pieces, and mold (for things exposed to water).
3. Safe Baby Gear
Simply put, if you don’t know how to use it, ASK!
-For carseats, your local fire department can give free “fit checks” and can show you how to install it properly.
-For things like carriers and baby wraps, check out local baby wearing groups or follow social media accounts that can break it down, step-by-step, and show you age-specific holds/carries.
-Avoid setting swings or seats on tables, counters, etc. Even if you think baby won't roll, flip over or wriggle out, it’s never worth the risk.
-Don’t leave a baby unattended in a swing, seat, or other baby item. If they are sleeping, put them in a safe sleep zone OR bring the baby along with if you leave the room.
4. Safe Feeding
This is an area of baby care where you get a LOT of practice. We are only speaking about very young infants in this article, but there are so many great resources out there for feeding kiddos as they age up!
-Always use clean, boiled water when using formula. This won’t prevent every single food borne illness, but it can help prevent a lot of them!
-Once a bottle (formula or breastmilk) has been used, it should be finished within two hrs, and kept cool.
-If breastfeeding and you need to take medication, always ask your doctor it is safe for baby. MotherToBaby also launched the LactRX app in 2022, which allows you to research on your own as well.
-Observe developmental milestones (like head control and unassisted sitting) and feed solids AFTER those have been met. This can help to prevent choking and also give baby’s gut time to have the digestive enzymes it needs to break down food.
The reality is, you don't know everything and you WILL make mistakes. It's one of the harsher aspects of parenting. However, remember that YOU are learning new things, just like they are! Both of you are figuring out this new life together.
You are also not alone-there are so many other parents and professionals who will come alongside you! We all want to keep babies safe, and hopefully these tips will contribute to that goal.
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