Infant Safety Tips
Safety Guidelines For Infant Sleep
Author: Camber Lea
Room sharing with your baby.
If a crib or newborn bassinet fits in your room, go for it. Having baby’s crib in your room may be protective against SIDS. Several studies gave shown that baby who died of SIDS were less likely than other babies to gave slept in a crib or bassinet in their parents’ room on the night they died. And since, unlike bed sharing, the idea of room sharing is not controversial, it was easy to advise parents to have babies in their room for the first six months.
Back to sleep.
Research shoes that this sleep position for babies dramatically reduces the incidence of SIDS. The only reason for a baby not to sleep on her back would be due to certain health, or when she gets to the age when she can roll over onto her tummy by herself and seems to prefer that. Once your baby can roll over easily, you can let her choose her own sleep position.
Firm mattress.
Avoid pillows, puffy bedding, stuffed toys and bumper pads in the baby’s crib as these could prevent proper air circulation around your baby’s face.
Smoke free environment.
Research clearly shows the single most important modifiable SIDS risk factors are now parental smoking. If you or your partner is smokers, get help to quit. Second hand smoke is harmful for anyone, particularly young children. If you are unable to quit, at least don’t smoke in your house or in any room where the baby is. Don’t let anyone else smoke around the baby either.
Breastfeeding.
It has many health benefits and probably gives some protection against SIDS. For a small number of babies, breastfeeding probably does reduce the risk of SIDS, but there are more important reasons to breastfeed.
Avoid overheating your baby.
A room temperature that would be comfortable for you should be fine for your baby. Earlier studies showed an association between overheating and risk of SIDS, but temperature is no longer considered a particularly important risk factor, partly because manufacturers are making lighter crib duvets. If the room temperature feels comfortable to you, it’s fine for your baby.
Bed sharing controversy
Lots of parents share a bed with their babies. For some, it’s part of their parenting philosophy. For others, it’s a convenience. The truth is that the risk factor is not bed sharing but how it’s done. Some cultures where co-sleeping is very common, like Japan, China, and the Ind0-Pakistani community in England, have some of the lowest SIDS rates in the world.
If you’re a non-smoking, sober breast feeder with fairly firm mattress, and you take sensible precautions to make sure your baby is protected from falls, getting her head covered by baby blankets or pillows, and getting wedged between the mattress and bed frame or walls, whether or not you share a bed with your baby is your call.
The most important risk factors are smoking during pregnancy, sleeping on the stomach and co-sleeping in certain situations- on a sofa, if the parents have been drinking or using drugs, or on a makeshift bed with pillows and cushions. None of the other risk factors are nearly as important.a
SIDS – Sudden infant death syndrome
Frequently Asked Questions
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QUESTION:
Infant saftey tips on clothes…?
Can anyone tell me a few safety tips on clothes? Whats good for an infant? And some questions I can ask a sales person about the clothes that aren’t easily answered with a yes or no?-
ANSWER:
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QUESTION:
Any baby / infant safety guides or products to recommend?
I got a friend just become mom, any sites, products, guides or tips you can recommend or share?-
ANSWER:
hi there, u may refer to this link for infant safety products, you can read some reviews of the items too, which is very helpful:http://www.infantsafetyguide.com
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QUESTION:
What are some crucial safety rules and overall tips/guidelines to do when babysitting a baby?
I have babysat before but I never have babysat an infant before. I know the simple things like put your arm behind the neck for support, but i still want to be as safe as possible. PLEASE HELP!-
ANSWER:
If you haven’t already, I would take a local babysitter class and get certified in infant/child CPR. Hopefully you will never need it, but it is good to know and be prepared. Also, the parents you are babysitting for will appreciate it! With a small infant, you are right, the head and neck need support and gentle maneuvering. Keep an eye on the floor for choking hazards or things they are not supposed to be playing with. ALWAYS monitor bath times and never leave an infant or child alone for even a second. I think the babysitting class is a good idea. Check out your local recreation department calendar. They probably have a class this summer you could take.
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QUESTION:
how do you bath an infant baby?
how do you bath an infant baby like tips safety tips things you should use-
ANSWER:
You can wipe your baby down, it’s not necessary to give them a bath. I was told to give my baby a bath after there umbilical cord falls off.
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QUESTION:
How concerned are you about the safety of products made in China in light of the China milk scandal?
With nearly 53,000 infants downed by melamine-contaminated dairy products, China’s milk scandal could very well be just the tip of the iceberg. Philippine Health Secretary Francisco Duque III announced that all milk products from China will be tested, and banned if found contaminated with melamine. But how guaranteed are we that other China-made products are safe and reliable? Share your thoughts and tell the community what you think.-
ANSWER:
Extremely concerned would be an understatement. It’s a known fact that not all products in the market have passed quality standards for safety and health issues, and we can’t ignore that a large number of them come from China, which according to many critics and agencies have a really low standard of monitoring their safety and quality- all in the pursuit of profit. Now, in my case, being in a country that has known lapses in some government agencies and corruption is pretty high – not to mention the fact the majority of the population believe that foreign goods are better- this leads to all sorts of god-know-what type of substandard products come in. Also, the fact that there has been no high profile case involving foods or products that have entered the country where those responsible have been caught and brought to justice… let us not forget the issue of low quality chinese products coming into the country and are all over Divisoria. Such is that I feel we have become the dumping ground of any substandard product that was banned in other parts of the world. And when (and believe me when I say when!) a scandal relating to a banned substandard product enters the country and our kids or adults start dying- finger pointing, senate inquiries, state witnesses and every politician jumping on the band wagon, all of this will be swept away by the next “high profile” news. For those who can afford quality, good for them. But sadly, many of us cannot- and the breeding ground for low quality stuff that are dangerous is magnified. We just have to trust our own judgement when buying products made from China or for that matter anywhere else. Knowing the origin of a certain product and its tract record is already a winning combination to avoid the same fate of those babies. But seriously, compromising quality of milk for babies?!? Little ones who have no way of choosing their path yet? All for profit? That’s really low.
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QUESTION:
What are essential/best baby items to have as a new parent? What’s junk? What’s invaluable? Hints? Tips?
(Sorry this is so long! Many thanks in advance to those who reply!)We are at week 34 awaiting the arrival of our Babygirl. Gifts and hand-me-downs are starting to come in that we’re marking off the “need to get” list (per Babies R Us).
We still have lots we need to get, so I wanted to ask for your opinions. For all those moms and dads out there, I have attached, below, the Babies R Us “Parents Checklist.” What is necessary? What is not? What is invaluable? What did you get on a whim and are eternally grateful for having? What turned out to be nothing but junk? What brands are the best (i.e., I hear that Boudreaux’s “Butt Paste” is the best there is)?
I’m starting to scout out Craigslist and eBay for deals (who the heck knew breast pumps were unbelievably expensive??? At least I can get new, in box items from eBay and save a few if I watch like a hawk!). If any of you have insights that you would share, we would be very grateful. Thanks!
THE LIST
Infant Care
Safety
Baby Safety Stairs
Walker For Babies – Safe Baby Walker Alternatives and Critical Information
Author: Will Morrison
Research shows that about 80% to 90% of parents use a walker for babies. They have been used since the 1800′s there is some debate about whether or not they help babies walk faster. One thing is for sure, using them is a easy way for parents to let babies entertain themselves.
Many of the accidents associated with baby walkers are from falling down stairs. Canada even banned them because of this.
However, since Canada’s ban, manufacturers are using better safety guidelines and the number of accidents annually have decreased significantly.
Despite increased safety of traditional walkers, many parents are looking for baby walker alternatives. There are a couple of options available; stationary activity centers and parent assisted walkers are the most popular.
Stationary Centers
These activity centers do not move so there isn’t any danger of falling down stairs. They have toys and activities placed around them as well as snack trays and cup holders.
Most have the baby placed in the center of the station but some have a walker attachment that is tethered to the station; allowing the baby to walk around the station to get to the toys.
Parent-Assisted Baby Walkers
These are basically a harness that holds the baby, but without a base or wheels. There are straps that the parents hold between them while baby walks along.
There aren’t any toys or anything but the baby can focus on walking and the parents can get involved. Additionally, the baby’s muscles develop faster because they have to do more work.
Frequently Asked Questions
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QUESTION:
Does anyone know any nice baby safety gates?
i’m looking to find a nice looking safety gates for the stairs. My home is very modern and I would like it too fit in.
thanks.-
ANSWER:
Try looking at this website www.firststepahead.com they have a lot of gates, ans a catalog you can have delivered to your house..they’re a great company!!
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QUESTION:
What are the best stair safety gates for a baby/toddler?-
ANSWER:
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QUESTION:
I have 2 steps at the bottom of my stairs without a bannister, what can i do about a safety gate for my baby?-
ANSWER:
as long as you got a safety gate for rest. i wouldnt worry about two steps, baby can fall and get bruised but baby will soon learn that hurts, and wont be doing it to often,
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QUESTION:
top stair safety gates? where to buy a gate for the stairs?
Hello, we need to buy gates for our stairs. We have a 15 months old baby, and she is in every place, I’m scary that she can fall on the stairs on our new house.
I want a gate screwed into the wall but we don’t know where to find one like that.
Please any help would be appreciate.Thanks.
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ANSWER:
The one I had was bought at walmart I think. It was a swing gate and very hard for kids to open it. Kinda hard for me actually lol but hey it worked. I’m not sure if that’s where my parents bought it so I’ll ask them tomorrow and email ya.
The one I had was made of thick plastic so you didn’t have to worry about it breaking.
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QUESTION:
What do you do when your baby can climb over safety gates?
Today I watched as my 11 mth daughter climb up the safety gate. She was able to get her upper torso over the top and would have toppled over it if I hadn’t been there to stop her. Now that she can get scale this how do I protect her form the stairs?-
ANSWER:
get a higher gate or get another gate and stack them, just make sure the upper gate is sucure. thats what i used to do with my neices, and i treat them like my own. or u can always put it on the first stair up so it has a higher elevation and the baby has no way to climb it
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QUESTION:
What is the best baby gate for top of stairs?
I just bought the Safety 1st Perfect fit, it’s wall mounted on top of my stairs and I don’t trust it. Also every time you open it you have to readjust it loosing its one hand open feature. Please share your experience.
Thank you!
@barfly: So I should teach my 9m old (and walking) not to fall down the stairs and yet make sure the cabinets are locked? Sorry, a gate is a must. Anybody with kids have any suggestions?-
ANSWER:
I have Dreambaby gates and love them. They’re metal and come in black or white. I have the standard size at the top of the stairs, and the extra-tall ones blocking access to the bottom of the stairs in the hallway. It takes a while to mount them properly, but the instructions are good and they’re strudy once mounted. They also swing closed automatically in both directions, though the click in kind of loud so I usually close them gently by hand. I ordered them online. They were more expensive than many gates, but totally worth it. You can open the gate easily with one hand.You need to measure the space exactly, then buy any extensions you may need. The bottom and top of the space may be slightly different widths if you have a baseboard, but the mounting cups can screw out to different lengths. The more they’re screwed out, the less secure it is (thus the importance of getting extensions, if needed, rather than screwing out the mounting cups to the maximum). I wouldn’t trust any gate enough to lean against it at the top of the stairs, but ours has held firm every time we’ve bumped into it by accident, and it’s steady when my 13 month old daughter tries to shake the bars.
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QUESTION:
Please help! Am I being unreasonable about baby safety?
Hi, im 22 and i first time mum to be living in Germany, and my question is: do you think its unreasonable to disallow your newborn child into a house that is not baby safe?My husbands parents are kind of expecting to be able to have the baby for afternoons in their own house (rather then coming down to our granny flat down stairs to see the baby). However at the present point i am really concerned about the lack of general health and safety in their house, its a hayfever haven! There are hundreds of bottles of chemicals just lying around the place, even in areas where they prepare food. Not to mention the dangerous objects laying around the baby could get hold of, the dirty cat food bowls that sit around for weeks before being washed, the cartons of fresh milk that sit out all day in the warm, the cat hair that is never vacuumed from the sofa, dust sits everywhere in the lounge room; my hands burn just from touching their laundry or bathroom from the amount of chemicals used in them. And their cooking standards (ie not mixing raw meats ETC.) still shock me!
Don’t get me wrong, im no way an uptight, ritualistic, clean freak, and i realize that people from different countries do things different (I’m originally from Australia), BUT i do expect a little bit cleanliness around the house and chemicals (if one must use them) at least put away in a safe place if there is a baby around.
And I dont want to stop my husbands parents from having the baby, but the health and safety of the house makes me really anxious, and would rather not unnecessarily expose the baby to chemicals.
I was a nanny for quite a while before i was pregnant so im not completely naive as his parents like to think i am, but im really afraid to say something. Maybe im over reacting completely…? Either way none of the houses i worked in as a nanny, or my mother own house ever operated like this one. Should i say something?
Any opinions on this would be really appreciated. Many thanks and im sorry this got so long!
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ANSWER:
Momma knows best. That saying exists for a reason. From what you described I wouldn’t let a child of any age over there. It doesn’t sound safe.
Maybe just tell them you’d like for them to come visit you and your child but also be upfront as to why you aren’t comfortable in their home. A simple “we just don’t feel comfortable having the baby there because of allergies and so many chemicals being exposed and around.” If all else fails, push it off on the doctor and say that the doctor said that the baby needs to stay in their own environment due to allergies. Who is going to argue with you if you tell them “the doctor said”.If confronting it head on isn’t something you feel you can handle then offer to come over WITHOUT the baby and help them kid proof their home and explain that you aren’t comfortable with your child being in a home that isn’t child proofed for safety issues that they probably don’t realize with a young baby/child and could you come to help them child proof.
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QUESTION:
At what age…? Baby safety questions – Help!?
Do you quit letting your child use the pacifier?Do you switch to a toddler bed?
From a toddler bed to a traditional bed?Do you allow your child a pillow?
Do you quit covering outlets?
Do you quit using baby monitors when they are asleep?
Do you quit using baby gates around stairs?
I’m curious as to what your family has done – or what the experts say.
Thanks!
Do you quit letting your child use the pacifier?
My oldest quit at 18 months – but he was an easy child (and I was pregnant w/brother and didn’t want any confusion over what was a baby item and what wasn’t) – My youngest is 2 and still has it at nap/night, but never any other time. I’d like to break him of it, but it is hard (both boys sleep in the same room – space issue)Do you switch to a toddler bed?
Oldest @ 2.5 so baby brother could have the crib. Youngest, at around 20 months – was ready…From a toddler bed to a traditional bed?
When we have the finances/space…Do you allow your child a pillow?
When they start to sleep in a toddler bed!Do you quit covering outlets?
We still have ours covered. Our oldest is 4, and still attempts to mess with them occasionally…Do you quit using baby monitors when they are asleep?
We still use them – hubby is dependent…Do you quit using baby gates around stairs?
We still use it (ages 4 & 2)…
Thanks to everybody who answered. I wanted to get peoples opinions on when some of these safety measures aren’t needed anymore.I do strongly agree that the BIGGEST factors in determining whether a particular safety feature is needed or not is family situations and child’s personalities. Because there is no right/wrong answer on this – I am going to have a tough time picking best!
Once again, thank you
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ANSWER:
Pacifier ends at age 1 for my daughter-Its a pet peeve of mine seeing toddlers running around with pacis.My Crib’s safety suggestions suggest switching from the Crib to the Toddler bed at 15 months. Then at 50 lbs it suggests switching it to the regular bed.
A baby under the age of 1 for sure does not need a pillow-I would say when switching the Crib to a Toddler bed, then add a pillow.
Baby monitors aren’t really needed unless you are planning on being on the opposite side of the house a lot.
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Safe Baby Toys – Relax While Your Baby Plays
You just can’t buy any kind of toys for your baby because it not only provide enjoyment to your little one, but also helps in mental development. Nowadays, a lot of options are available in the market. But the most important thing is to pick a toy which is safe and equally entertaining for your baby. Purchasing toys will keep your little one occupied while you finish the various tasks around the house.
You can go for safe baby toys like soft cuddly dolls, big building blocks with smooth surfaces, and soft balls. Your baby would love to play with simple building blocks and will make pyramids and buildings. Here are some important points you need to keep in mind before you make a purchase:
You need to keep product recalls in mind before buying: Before you purchase it is important for you to check if that particular brand has any recall in the past or not. You can find this information on the Internet itself. It is important to buy from a brand that has no bad history because your baby deserves the best.
Check the safety statements from the manufacturers: You should check out the details of published safety statements from the manufacturers before you buy a toy. Reputable online toy retailers will post manufacturer statements in their website like quality testing, lead content, and other safety details.
You need to buy age-appropriate toys: Before you make a purchase make it sure that it is appropriate for your baby’s age. If you buy toys for slightly older babies it might contain lose parts which might choke your baby if he puts it in his mouth.
It is best to follow safety guidelines while you purchase: Make sure that the toy you are purchasing doesn’t contain any small parts that can break. Consumer Product Safety Forum (CPSC) publishes many safety guidelines including a ‘toy safety shopping tips’ list. It is better to buy baby toys that are 100% safe.
To know more you can read reviews, talk to others, and search online for better results: If you have a sister or a friend who is a mother, it is better you ask her to help you. Her experience with the products will prove to be of immense help.
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About the Author:
Visit Infantbabynewborn.com to purchase the products that are manufactured by maintaining all safety standards. On this website you will find a variety of safe baby toys that will keep your little one happy and playful.
Article Source
Baby Furniture Set – Is the Room Ready?
When your baby arrives you need to make sure that baby’s room is ready for them. It is important the room look nice but functionality is important as well. You want enough baby furniture in it so that you care for your baby easily. Some parents will choose to buy the baby furniture set that they need as sets, while others will choose to purchase the baby furniture separately.
Baby Crib – this is going to be the most important of all the items that are included within a set of nursery furniture. Look for the crib whose sides lower so that you won’t have problems lifting the baby in or out of it. This will also reduce the amount of strain being placed on your back. It is important to ensure that the baby crib you purchase complies with the safety guidelines set out by the government relating to this type of baby furniture. If saving money is an important issue with your family, you can save money by purchasing a second hand baby crib.
Changing Table – the height of the changing table is crucial to both your welfare. The changing table area should be around the same height as your waist. In keeping the table at waist height it will prevent you from staining your back while lifting the baby on and off the table. The changing table should also have the guard rails around the table area to prevent the baby from rolling off the changing table top.
When choosing your changing table or nursery set go for the changing table that has a dresser style instead of the open fronted ones.
These offer so much more storage and usually young children cannot get into them. They also provide a sturdier base. .
Rocking Chair – Not every Baby Furniture set comes with a rocking chair, however, if yours does then use it. The rocking chair will afford you a comfortable place to sit and feed the baby during the first few weeks. This is important as they will wake quite a bit during this time. And besides, it offers you a quiet place to sit and rock while bonding with your baby. You might also find that when your child is fussing the rocking motion of the chair soothes and comforts them.
Be sure to get a rocking chair that is comfortable to you both so as to avoid any unnecessary back stress or strain.
These are the main items that will often be included in your nursery furniture set. One of the main reasons that so many people purchase the Baby Furniture Set is cost. They average out so much less than purchasing the items separately. However, it is so important that you choose one that is practical and appealing for you both and also that it is comfortable to use.
Visit www.BabyAgeOnline.com to see more of a Baby Furniture Set.
Wendell and Charmayne Vannatter Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/baby-furniture-set-is-the-room-ready-1533611.html
Website: http://www.BabyAgeOnline.com
WCV Marketing is dedicated to helping people create their own home based online marketing business. The ideas presented here will help the average person to create a profitable online in-home business. Using the ideas and tips in these articles anyone can create a successful home based business even in these times of recession.