Baby Safety First-Time Parents Should Know
First-time parents bring their bundles of joy home from the hospital in a daze of happiness. They are ecstatic about the new addition to their family and overwhelmed with the new adventure they have embarked upon. Most likely, they’re already sleep-deprived, as newborns require around-the-clock care right from the start. This is why it’s best that first-time parents consider infant safety precautions before they bring baby home from the hospital. Here are a few you might want to add to the list.
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Car Seats
Proper car seat installation is one of the best ways parents can prepare for their new child. In fact, many hospitals will inspect the car seat installation before allowing parents to check out. Parents should purchase an appropriate, rear-facing infant or convertible seat. Local fire departments and police stations often have trained members who can assist in correctly installing the seat into the vehicle. If not, parents should refer to the car seat manual and can call the Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. Remember, the middle of the back seat is the safest spot for an infant seat.
Bedrooms
Furniture safety with infants encompasses multiple issues. Many parents are excited to set up a nursery, but often don’t think of the safety of the items they are placing in it. Heavy furniture, such as dressers and changing tables, should be anchored to the wall to prevent tipping over. Parents should also use the safety straps that accompany changing tables, bouncy seats, floor seats, etc., even if the baby will only be in them for a minute. Most importantly, cribs should be free of clutter. This means no bumpers, blankets, or soft toys. Babies need a fitted sheet on the correct mattress and to be placed on their backs for a safe, restful sleep.
Pets
Be cautious of pet behavior when bringing the new baby home or to visit friends. Pets, while members of the family, are still animals and you can’t be too careful about how they will react to a new addition, especially once they hear the baby crying. Dogs can be overprotective of their homes, or may become protective of the baby. Never leave any animal alone with the baby. Groth & Associates say if your child is attacked by someone’s dog, don’t hesitate to contact a personal injury lawyer for help.
Exits and Entryways
Invest in the proper safety equipment for your home. Staircase gates, outlet covers, cabinet locks, doorknob locks, and edge bumpers are all convenient ways to protect your baby once they are mobile. Remember that if you do a basic rundown before they are born, you can reassess your home’s dangers as the baby becomes a crawler and then again when they are walking.
First-time parents will learn as they go and no one parenting experience is exactly like any other. Baby safety is something that can be studied ahead of time to ensure your child is brought home to the safest environment possible.
Eileen O’Shanassy is a freelance writer and blogger based out of Flagstaff, AZ. She writes on a variety of topics and loves to research and write. She enjoys baking, biking, and kayaking. Check out her Twitter @eileenoshanassy.
