10/28/11

Josh and I are trying to figure out how to make our house baby safe. In doing so I found an article that talks about hidden dangers for newborns. Here's what we learned:

• SIDS. We've heard a lot about SIDS in all of our parenting classes and how important it is to make sure baby is safe when sleeping. There shouldn't be anything in the crib with baby at all. Baby can be wrapped in a swaddler at night (not a swaddling blanket, but a swaddle sleeper) and should aways be placed on her back. The crib sheet should fit tight and the bumpers removed (mesh bumpers are fine). The baby should be placed with her feet near the end of the crib. Never use a positioner, babies won't choke while sleeping. If they spit up they have a natural reflex to swallow.
• Diaper changes. You're probably thinking how are diaper changes dangerous? If you're using a changing table baby can roll off. Make sure that everything you need is at arms length and ignore all other distractions while changing baby. Josh and I don't even have a changing table. We have a fold up changing station that lays out on the floor that holds a few diapers and a travel pack of wipes.
• Bathing. Baby shouldn't be submerged in water until after she looses her umbilical cord so while we're sponge bathing her we need to keep a hand on her at all times so she doesn't roll off the table. Once we can bath her in the tub or sink we can't leave her unattended for even a second. It only takes a couple of inches of water for a baby to drown. Those bath seats give parents a false sense of security. It is possible for those to tip over.
• Falls. Eliminate any chance of falling down while holding baby. Use night lights, put carpet grips under rugs, remove all trip hazards like cords and clutter, and make sure that you have tight railings. I find myself tripping on the baby gate we have set up for the dogs, because I try stepping over it instead of moving it out of the way. I gotta get out of that habit.