How to Keep Your Baby Safe the First Months

Usually, new parents have the same reaction within the first few hours of bringing home their new baby – “Now what?” While they have been dreaming of this moment for months, many parents are nervous once the time finally arrives. Being armed with as much information as possible on how to protect and care for your little one will help alleviate some of this stress and allow you to enjoy the time.

The leading cause of unintentional injury in the home for children is falls!

• Even before bringing your baby home from the hospital, install a gate at the top of the stairs. This should be a self-latching hardware-mounted gate that has a safety mechanism which allows it to only open away from the stairs.
• Position all furniture away from windows where a baby could climb up and fall through the window.
• Install window guards and locks on all windows.
• Secure the changing table pad to the furniture and always use the strap to secure her. Keep everything within arm’s reach so you can have one hand on your baby at all times.

Always be prepared: Accidents happen in a split second. The key is preparation. Taking a few extra moments to make sure your baby is safe could prevent a possible tragedy.

• Never leave a child unattended in a bathtub. Have everything you will need within reach prior to putting her in the tub. Children have drowned in less than 2” of water.
• Never hold your baby in your arms while cooking. Hot oils and boiling water can splash causing severe burns. Be sure to use the back burners when cooking.
• Never use strings to attach a pacifier to baby’s crib or clothes, and replace the pacifier regularly as the rubber can get old.

Learn to reduce the risk: While the rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has decreased dramatically, it is still the leading cause of death for infants one month to one year of age.

• Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep. Since the inception of the Back To Sleep campaign, the rate of SIDS has decreased 50%.
• The safest place for a baby is in their own sleeping environment. Room sharing is great as long as there is a safety approved crib, co-sleeper or bassinet for the baby.
• Remove all soft, fluffy or loose bedding and stuffed animals. Use a wearable blanket to replace loose blankets in your baby’s crib.
• Do not over bundle your baby and keep the nursery room temperature between 68° and 72° F.

About First Candle

First Candle is a national nonprofit committed to eliminate Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), and Stillbirth through education, advocacy, and research while providing compassionate support to bereaved families. For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.firstcandle.org or call 443-640-1049.