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Infant Safety Tips
As you welcome your precious new addition to the world, you're embarking on a journey of love and care. You know that protecting this fragile bundle deps solely on you, as they are completely reliant on you for everything. Besides implementing general home safety measures and ensuring your home is childproofed, here are infant-specific safety tips:
Bathing
Ensure your baby bath is designed to keep your little one safe, featuring a non-slip surface that prevents slipping accidents.
Instructions for Bathing:
Fill the bath with water to about 2-3 inches deep. Check its temperature on your wrist or use a tub thermometer; it should ideally be between 96-100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Stay within arm's reach of your baby throughout their bath time, keeping them safe and secure.
Nursery
A proper bassinet or crib is crucial for your infant's safety. Make sure these items meet current safety guidelines.
Safety Measures in the Nursery:
Eliminate potential hazards such as pillows, stuffed toys, quilts, and mobiles that can pose a suffocation risk.
Ensure the mattress is firm and fits snugly within the bassinet or crib. Adjust the mattress to the lowest position when your infant can pull themselves into standing.
Placement:
Position the bassinet or crib away from windows, heating sources, lamps, and other furniture.
Changing Station:
Keep a close watch during diaper changes by using the safety strap on the changing table and keeping all supplies within reach.
Sleep Safety:
Always place your baby to sleep on their back to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome SIDS.
Feeding
During the first year, feeding transitions from breast milk or formula to introducing first foods. Choking hazards are common during this period due to the fast-paced changes in their development.
Safe Feeding Practices:
Avoid feeding babies foods that could potentially block their rways such as peanut butter, hot dogs, popcorn, whole grapes, raw carrots, rsins, nuts, hard candies or toffees, and chewing gum until they are four years old.
Offer safe finger foods like bananas, well-cooked pasta and vegetables, and O-shaped cereals e.g., Cheerios suitable for their stage of development.
Keep small items like coins, buttons, balloons, safety pins, hr clips, rocks, and toys with small parts out of reach to prevent choking.
Choking Prevention:
Always be vigilant; young children often explore the world through their mouths.
Handling Choking:
If your baby is choking, quickly administer the Heimlich maneuver or use back-thrusts if you are trned in First d and CPR. Immediate action can save a life!
General Safety Tips:
Install an infant car seat that meets safety standards before your child begins using it.
Prevent burns by avoiding holding your baby while cooking or handling hot food or beverages.
Preventing Falls:
Never leave your baby unatted on beds, sofas, chrs, or any other places where they might fall.
Safety with Pets:
Avoid leaving your infant alone with other young children or pets who may pose a risk.
Childproofing:
Before your child begins to crawl, ensure that your home is safe for them by removing potential hazards and installing safety gates at the top and bottom of strs.
Caring for Your Little One:
that your love and attention are the best protection. Always keep a watchful eye on your infant as they explore their world.
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