Babies haven’t changed,
but
what we know about them has
A recent article I read
got me thinking that it might be handy to share the current school of thought
on what is safest for baby... I liked the way that a TIME magazine article put
it- "babies haven’t changed, but what we know about them has."
This also applies to young people, like me, who don't were just clueless about the baby "rules" (luckily my sister and the internet have given me a lesson!)
Here
are today's tips for Baby Safety (as of 2013):
SLEEP POSITION: Babies now snooze on their backs instead of their
tummies — the hallmark of the “Back to Sleep” campaign.
CRIBS: Cribs should be bare of bumpers, pillows, stuffed
animals and blankets. Today’s crib should contain a mattress, a crib
sheet, and a baby — nothing else. Drop side cribs are unsafe.
CARSEATS: Infants should be placed in rear-facing car seats in the
back seat until they are
one year old and 22 pounds. Do not wrap baby in blankets or heavy clothing
before placing in the car seat. Do not place extra padding under the baby.
Secure infant snugly with harness straps and then cover with a blanket if
desired. Pediatricians recommend remaining rear facing until 2 years old.
Babies are 500% safer in a rear-facing position.
NUTRITION: Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up
to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate
complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond.
MEDICINE: Baby aspirins have been replaced with acetaminophen to
treat children with a fever. Giving baby aspirin to a child with a fever may
cause a serious illness called Reye’s syndrome. The old home remedy of rubbing whiskey
on the gums of a child is also dangerous, as it’s found to be poisonous.
SWADDLING: Recent studies have shown that restricting arm movement
is the best way to soothe a baby. But wrapping tightly below the belt could
lead to hip dysplasia.
BABY POWDER: This is one product that shouldn’t be on a
modern changing table, since the tiny particles might irritate a baby’s
delicate breathing passages if they’re inhaled. Instead, liberally apply a
hypoallergenic baby moisturizing lotion to a freshly bathed baby.
BOTTLE FEEDING: Don't Add Cereal to a Bottle; Studies have shown
that introducing cereal won’t help a baby sleep through the night any sooner.
In fact, feeding solids before a young digestive system is ready to process
them can lead to all sorts of tummy troubles — and even contribute to obesity
later in life.
WALKERS: Walkers have a very high rate of accidental injury and
should not be used. Studies have also shown that walkers hinder proper muscular
development for standing and walking.
BABY CARRIERS: Baby carriers are a great way to take baby with you
without the hassle of a stoller. However, babies should always be worn facing
the wearer (whether on the front or the back). Wearing baby facing out doesn't
support babies legs, and puts pressure on babies spine and groin.
Handling a Newborn:
If you haven't spent a lot of time around newborns, their
fragility may be intimidating. Here are a few basics to remember:
· Wash your hands (or use a hand sanitizer) before handling a
newborn. Young babies have not built up a strong immune system yet, so they
are susceptible to infection. Make sure that everyone who handles your baby
also has clean hands.
· Be careful to support baby's head and neck. Cradle the head when carrying your baby
and support the head when carrying the baby upright or when you lay him or her
down.
· Make sure baby is securely fastened into the carrier, stroller, or car seat. Limit any activity
that could be too rough or bouncy.
· Remember that newborns are not ready for rough play, such as being jiggled on the knee or
thrown in the air.
(These are only rules for BABY/Infant
safety... there's another whole set of topics once they start crawling and
walking)
Anyone have any other safety tips they want to share? Please educate me!
Originally posted: 9/11/13
