5 Newborn Safety Tips You Must Know

If you're a first-time mom, you're probably searching the internet consistently to try and figure out the safest options for your baby. Even if you're not new to this whole mom thing, you may still wonder what's safe for different scenarios. We've done the research for you. We're going to go over complete baby safety to ensure your little one stays as safe as possible.

Keeping Baby Safe in the Car

It's not just about finding the most expensive car seat, buckling up your child, and head down the road. Unfortunately, most people don't realize that the most expensive car seat isn't going to be the safest option. In fact, there's a lot more to it. Usually, any car seat is fine as long as it is federally approved for car safety. While you're installing the car seat, make sure you read the manual to ensure you installed it properly. While some seats may seem like a breeze to put together, you could very well miss a step.

Most people know this, but you should never ride with your infant in your lap while riding in the car - Yes, even if it's just around the corner or down the road even 5 seconds - Anything could happen in a short time frame. For the first two years of your child's life, he or she should face the back of the vehicle. If possible, place the car seat in the middle of the back seat as it's the safest place. Never, under any circumstances, put your baby in the front passenger of your car even in a car seat. If you have a truck without a backseat, turn off the airbags while your baby is in the vehicle.

Anyone can say that they won't leave their baby in a hot car, but anything is possible. To remember to grab your little one, leave your cell phone, purse, or wallet in the back seat. Be sure never to leave your baby in the car, even if you only run in the store for one thing.

Pet and Newborn Safety

Infants and pets can get along just fine, but you should still follow some precautions. You should never leave your baby alone with your pet, even if they normally don't bother him or her. Watch your dog or cat close for any signs of jealousy. Although having a baby consumes much of your time, try to find some time to give attention to your pets.

It's ideal to keep your pet's nails trimmed. If your dog or cat gets startled by your baby, your pet could scratch as a natural defense. Training your dog could help significantly and even enrolling him in some obedience classes if you feel it could help. Always keep your pet's toys away from your baby to avoid any conflict.

Avoid Falls

Unfortunately, it's common to hear about a baby falling. However, knowing some things to keep in mind could help reduce the chances of your baby falling. If you use an infant carrier, remember to always leave it on the floor. Even if you think it's okay to leave on the counter or table for two minutes to grab something, anything could happen in a split second.

Avoid leaving your baby alone on a changing table, infant seat, couch, or bed. He or she could roll off quickly. Even if you have to look away for a moment to go grab a diaper, it's best to just scoop him or her up in your arms and go grab the diaper together. If your baby hasn't rolled yet, still don't leave him or her because it takes just one second to roll.

Sleep "and Crib Safety

The "Back to Sleep" campaign started in 1992 by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This campaign started to minimize the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which is a sudden and unexplained death of a baby younger than one-year-old. Since this recommendation of having babies sleep on their back, the rate of SIDS has decreased. It's important to place your baby on his or her back for naps, including nighttime. Be sure you only place your baby on a firm mattress that is safety-approved. By placing a baby on soft surfaces like soft mattresses and sofa cushions, the risk of SIDS gets higher.

Never use any toys, loose bedding, baby blankets, or pillows in the crib with your baby. Even though your older parent or grandparent will say an infant sleep positioner is safe, that's only because they probably used one when they had children. However, times have changed and research proves sleep positioners pose a risk to babies.

As a mom, you may worry once your baby starts to roll over. By that time, you should just leave him or her. Once a baby knows how to roll from back to belly, or vice-versa, it's usually a less risk for SIDS. The greatest risk is around 2 to 4 months because many babies can't turn themselves from their back to their stomach.

SIDS is, of course, scary to think about. However, don't let it interrupt your joyful time with your new baby. There are devices available to keep track of your baby's movements. You can get rest while the device does the watching for you, and will alert you if something is wrong.

Fire Safety

When people hear of newborn safety, they usually don't consider fire safety. However, fire safety is extremely important. It's just as critical as other safety tips. You should never leave your baby alone in the home for any period of time. Ensure you have a smoke detector at each level of your home, as well as your baby's room. If you have a window that is far from the ground, get some rope ladders so you can escape with more ease.

Figure out which escape routes you will take in your home. Make sure to have a few options and ensure that your infant's room is included. Plan a meeting for your family to meet outside in a designated area. In the event of a fire, don't get dressed. Just get to your baby and other children if you have them. Make a plan with your partner, if you have one, regarding who can grab which child so you can both get out fast.

Do you have any other tips to share? We would love to hear them!