9 BABY SAFETY TIPS

So September was Baby Safety Month! Read our nine baby safety tips to make your home a safe zone for your baby.

HOW SAFE ARE YOUR BABY'S SLEEP HABITS?

Did you know Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a major cause of infant deaths? And did you know most cases of SIDS are caused by babies sleeping on their tummies? Well, if you didn't know, now you do. To prevent 

SIDS, always observe the guidelines laid out by the American Academy of Pediatrics to ensure safe sleep habits for babies. These are:

• Keep the room temperature in your baby's nursery cool all the time.
• Take out pillows, fluffy toys and bumper pads from your baby's crib.
• Use pacifiers that don't have strings attached to them.
• Prevent smoke from getting into your baby's nursery by setting up fire alarms and smoke detectors in the nursery.
• Set up rail guards around your baby's crib.

HAVE YOU BABY-PROOFED YOUR HOME?

No? Here are some things to start with:

• Make sure cabinets and drawers have latches (and keep them locked at all times!).
• Cover all outlet plugs that are within your baby's reach. And tie up or cover all electrical cables and cords.
• Keep dangerous items such as sharp and small objects, detergents and electronic devices out of your baby's reach.
• If you own pets, set up guards at the nursery's entrance to prevent them from getting access to your baby.

• Baby-proof sharp corners of walls and furniture (tables and chairs) with corner guards.
• Fix window restrictors and child-proof window locks.
• Fix door stoppers to prevent doors from shutting. These will save your baby from slamming their baby's hand or foot in the door.
• If you don't want to lock your doors, then fix baby gates to seal off doorways.
• Block your stairways with baby gates and close up any gaps in the banisters that your baby can squeeze through.

DID YOU KNOW BABIES LOVE WATER?

Yes, they do! And always love to play in it, which poses a risk of drowning. So

keep an eye on all sources of water in your home. Here are what you need to do:

• Never leave your baby in a bathtub, swimming pool or splash pad unattended (not even for a second!).
• Do not leave water in buckets or tubs. Pour them out if you are not using them or keep them out of your baby's reach.
• Fix lid locks on all toilets.

WHAT ABOUT DRAPERY AND BLINDS?

You didn't think about those, did you? Well, they are also hazards because they can cause strangulation. Make sure your baby's crib is not near a window with 

draperies or blinds. And cords of blinds should be wrapped up and kept away from your baby's reach.

IT'S TIME TO THRASH THOSE OLD CRIBS AND CAR SEATS

Safety standards for baby safety keep changing. Those used cribs or car seats you probably bought from your neighbour's yard sale may not meet new standards. It's best to use these old baby gear with extra care or buy new ones if you can afford them.

Warning:

• Discard old cribs, car seats and other baby gear that have missing pieces because these can be hazards.
• Do not use a car seat that has previously been in a car accident.

• Update yourself on new baby safety standards and stick to them.

DO BABIES NEED PROTECTION FROM THE ELEMENTS?

Absolutely! Keeping your baby safe from the sun, heat, and cold is all part of baby safety. Here are a few pointers on how to ensure your baby is protected:

• Do not keep your baby outdoors on a hot day for more than 30 minutes.
• On hot days, keep your baby hydrated by giving them enough water.
• Let them wear a hat or bonnet if they are going to be out in the sun.
• Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on your baby's skin when it's a sunny day.

When it is winter:

• Dress your baby in layers to keep him or her warm.
• Make sure your baby's nursery temperature is warm enough (20 degrees Celsius max). Fix a thermometer in the nursery to monitor the temperature.
• Wrap your baby in a thick swaddling blanket or put him or her in a sleeping bag at night.
• Keep your baby's crib far away from the window and from the cold wind.
• Keep your baby's crib warm with a firm mattress.
• Keep your baby's feet, hands and head warm with socks, mittens and a baby cap.
• Preheat your baby's crib with a hot water bottle or heating pad 30 minutes max before you put him or her in it.

DO YOU NEED TO PUT YOUR BABY ON CAMERA?

Why not? It could be more effective than having a babysitter. Besides, you will

feel more at ease knowing what your baby is up to 24 / 7.

KEEP TABS ON YOUR BABY'S TEMPERATURE

The slightest change in your baby's temperature might be an indication of something serious - a fever or flu. That is why you need to monitor your baby's temperature regularly. You also need to monitor your baby's temperature when

they are ill to check for changes in their condition. A drop in temperature, may indicate that they are getting better, and vice versa.

Hint:

Kinsa, a smart thermometer, makes this possible because it is able to store previous readings.

BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR BABY'S MEDICATION

You need to keep track of the dosage of medicine you are giving to your baby. To prevent an overdose, use the Kinsa app. It will help you monitor how much medicine you are giving to your baby. Also, make sure you give your baby only 

 

prescribed medication or over-the-counter medication advised or suggested by your doctor.

Get the Kinsa app for iOS

Get the Kinsa app for Android

 

 

By Nana Ama Afoa Osae I Writer I GreatWonderful Team

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