Common Safety-related Blunders New Moms And Dads Make
Your home likely poses myriad safety hazards for your baby
. From electrical outlets and cords lying on the floor to dangerous chemicals in the kitchen or bathroom, parents must be ever-vigilant in protecting their infants from harm. In addition to babyproofing your home, however, there are many other things you can do to make sure your little one remains safe.
Below, we'll reveal several common mistakes new moms and dads make that imperil their babies. If you recognize any of the following blunders in your own household, it may be time to consider making a change.
Permitting Hazards In The Nursery
Your baby's nursery is an environment that can hide several dangers that seem harmless. For example, hanging chords pose a threat of strangulation; a changing table that lacks safety straps may allow your infant to fall; a crib outfitted with a mattress that allows too much room around the perimeter poses a risk of suffocation.
Inspect your little one's nursery with a critical eye for potential dangers. Does your baby's crib meet safety standards? Is her cradle sturdy? Can she reach her mobile, and pull it down? These and many other hazards should be removed from her nursery immediately.
Neglecting The Dangers Posed By Water
One of the most common causes in child deaths is drowning. Because your infant lacks strength in her arms and legs, and lacks coordination and balance, she can drown in only a few inches of water. For this reason, it is critical to remain by her side whenever she is near water.
Another water-related danger is that of burning. Your little one's skin is very sensitive, and thus can burn easily. Whenever you give her a bath, make sure the water's temperature is 100F, or less.
Buying Unsafe Car Seats
Proper use of car seats is more complex than most parents realize. In order for them to be used safely, they must accommodate your baby's size and weight, and be properly installed. For example, a rear-facing infant car seat should only be used until your little one reaches 20 lbs. A convertible car seat will keep her safe until she reaches 35 lbs. Meanwhile, installing the seat, and making sure your infant is secured properly by the LATCH system presents its own challenges for the uninitiated.
Two quick tips: first, buy new. A used car seat is inherently risky since there's no way to know whether it has been involved in an accident. Second, familiarize yourself with the safety recommendations provided by the National Transportation Safety Board.
Sharing The Family Bed (Under Certain Circumstances)
A lot of parents share their beds with their infants. Doing so is believed to encourage bonding while making nursing more convenient. Even though both are compelling arguments for bed-sharing, there are risks involved.
For example, if you or your partner has consumed alcohol, you may inadvertently roll over your baby without realizing it. If either of you suffers from epilepsy, your infant may be similarly harmed. While bed-sharing can be safe, many experts suggest the safest place for babies to sleep is in their cribs.
Failing To Prepare For An Emergency
Babies can find themselves in an endless number of unpredictable circumstances. When this occurs, it's important to know how to respond. You should know the basics of applying first aid; you should know how to treat a minor burn; and you should have easy access to information you and your health provider need.
Create a file that includes your baby's medical records, health insurance information, and any other pertinent details. Also, create a list of professionals - including your baby's pediatrician - whom you can call in the event of an emergency. The more quickly you can respond, the greater the likelihood your little one will be fine.
Caring for an infant is always an adventure since babies are susceptible to hazards that often escape notice. Devote time to identifying potential safety risks that pose a danger to your little one.
by:Angie L Robinson.
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