Tips for newborn safety the first few weeks: All Moms Need to Know!
Even though baby safety is celebrated during the month of September, it must be also known that every day is a safety awareness day. New moms should be knowledgeable about what this safety is about for their newborn baby; especially if they are a first time mom.
Today we are going to talk about some tips for newborn safety during the first few weeks as this information is major for ALL moms to know. Let’s dive in and explore the many things you as a new mama need to know.
1. Why the need to for newborn safety awareness
The need for newborn safety awareness is necessary because as a mom there is so much going on postpartum, mom only should focus on those things that REALLY MATTER! According to Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), many infants die mostly because of safety issues we will discuss:
2. Baby products
- Verify that all new items adhere to applicable safety standards.
- When using older, used, or second-hand products, confirm that all parts are present, the item is in good condition, has not been damaged, and has not been recalled.
- If there is an option, register baby products with the manufacturer so you can be contacted if there is a recall or if there is a problem with the product.
3. Sleep safety
Sleep safety is very important.
- Verify the JPMA certification of the crib and other furniture for your child.
- Verify to determine if the crib or other infant equipment has been subject to a recall.
- Verify that the cot or other infant equipment is put together properly and that there are no loose or damaged parts.
- Learn the fundamentals of sound sleep.
- Always allow baby to sleep on the back with head to one side.
- Breastfeed if you can to prevent cot death. (SIDS)
- Keep your baby’s crib clear of clutter at all times.
- Never allow your baby to sleep in a poppy without parental supervision.
- Let baby sleep in her own cot and not in bed with mom and dad to prevent latching to in in the future.
- Invest on a brand-new crib that hasn’t been recalled.
- Crib must only be put together with hardware from the manufacturer. Save the directions for later use.
- As soon as it’s safe to do so, put a sleeping infant in their crib.
- In the crib, always use a mattress that fits snugly.
- Observe the weight and developmental advice provided by the manufacturer for sleep goods.
- When babies are sleeping, take cushions, sheepskins, plush animals that resemble pillows, and other items not made for infant bedding out of the crib. NEVER put more cushioning underneath a baby.
- Never overdress a newborn. As an alternative to any covering, think about utilizing a sleeper, wearable blanket, or other sleeping apparel.
- Swaddling is an option for neonates. When infants begin to roll over or can unwrap themselves, stop swaddling them.
- During the first few months, when your baby has to be nursed continuously throughout the night, think about installing a bassinet in your bedroom. Sharing a room is a simple method to stay close by without endangering your child’s safety by having them share a bed.
- A minimum of three feet should separate any area of the crib, bassinet, play yard, or other secure sleeping environment from any monitors or corded devices. Be mindful that as the baby grows, what is currently a safe distance may vary.
- Place toddler beds, cribs, and bassinets in a room safely away from windows, heaters, wall lamps, drapery cables, and blinds.
4. Be aware of car safety needs for your baby
This crucial duty starts with choosing a child car seat and using it correctly from the minute you bring your new baby home to every subsequent car ride. Use of a car seat is mandated by law in each state. Today’s automobile seats are all created to meet the exacting safety requirements imposed by the federal government.
- Rear-facing car seats should be used for your infant in the backseat of your car.
- Register your vehicle’s seat.
- Check the expiration date on your car seat.
- Useless car seats should never be used.
- Using a used car seat is not advised because it is not always feasible to tell if it has been in a collision.
- When utilizing a used car seat, look for the manufacturer’s sticker and the expiration date; if one of these is past or absent, the car seat should not be used.
- See these JPMA resources for additional advice on car seat safety.
- Visit the parent-friendly JPMA resource site for more information on safety fundamentals.
5. Things you never should use second hand
- Car seats – It is impossible to know the car seat’s history and using one that has been involved in a crash could jeopardize its effectiveness. Most car seats expire about 5 or 6 years from the date of manufacture and using a car seat after it has expired could be dangerous.
- Cribs – As a general practice, do not use second-hand cribs or heirloom cribs handed down from other family members or those purchased at thrift stores or garage sales because they may not meet the most current safety standards or could have missing or broken parts or hardware.
- Crib Mattresses – Due to sanitary reasons.
- Breast Pump Accessories – Due to sanitary reasons.
6. Ways you can save money
The typical parent can spend as much or as little on baby gear as they see fit. Being a parent today is fantastic because of the variety. Baby items are available to suit every demand and financial situation.
Prioritize the baby gear you want to buy new if you’re thinking about buying used to keep within your budget. Try sticking to your budget in other areas so you can treat yourself to those new purchases, such as:
- Breastfeeding instead of buying formula
- Use cloth diapers vs disposable diapers
- Think about making your own baby food vs buying it.
- Borrow books from the local library instead of buying them brand new
- Sign up for those big ticket safety items you really want new like a crib, car seat, and stroller
- Check for coupons or rebates.
- Look for a car seat assistance program through hospitals or local health departments that sometimes provide car seats to families in need.
- Check your local newspaper ads for listings
- Save your baby’s hand -me -downs for future pregnancy if it was new and is still in good working condition.
Conclusion
Mama never compromise safety for price. Your baby’s safety is always first! I encourage you to be knowledgeable of what is priority when it comes to your newborn’s safety. It is so empowering to know that you have some control and responsibility to protect your little star. Thank you for stopping by today and I sure hope you are going to do your best in maintaining the safety of your baby no matter what!
This also entails carefully inspecting the product. A product should not be purchased if it has any loose, damaged, or missing parts, or if it is moldy, rusted, or otherwise “out of sorts”.
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