Now that your baby has arrived you will want to make sure to keep him/her safe. Here are some things that you need to consider. Also see home safety checklist here.

1. CAR SEATS

Car crashes are the number one cause of death for children aged one to nine. A correctly used child restraint will reduce the likelihood of a child being injured or killed in a crash by 75%. In fact booster seats protect a child from serious injury 3.5 times better than when they use seat belts alone.

Car seat types:

Infant car seats

• Use rear facing only from birth to 9 or 10 kg (20 or 22 lbs) or up to 66 cm  or according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• Adjust harness straps until snug (only one finger fitting between harness and baby’s body); make sure harness is doubled-back to prevent slipping.
• Use shoulder and/or lap belt to fasten car seat in car until snug.
• Attach locking clip to seatbelt if required.
• Review owner’s manual for car seat installation.

Never place a car seat in the front seat

Convertible car seat

• Use rear facing from birth to 9 or 10 kg or up to 66 – 72.5 cm or according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• Adjust harness straps until snug (only one finger fitting between harness and baby’s body); make sure harness is doubled-back to prevent slipping.
• Use shoulder and/or lap belt to fasten car seat in car until snug.
• Attach locking clip to seatbelt if required
• Review owner’s manual for car seat installation.

Never place a car seat in the front seat

• Read the instructions before putting together baby equipment. Your baby’s life depends on it.

2. Handling babies

• Keep one hand on your baby at all times when changing nappies. Babies can lurch and roll unexpectedly.
• Never shake a baby. Shaking a baby can cause permanent brain damage and even death.

Shaken Baby Syndrome

Never shake your baby. Shaking a baby can cause brain damage or death. Listening to a baby cry for long periods of time can be very frustrating for parents. If you feel like you might lose control, place your child safely in the crib, take a time-out and leave the baby’s room for a few minutes.

Things to try:

• Learn to read your baby’s cues and respond before he starts crying
• Go to your baby as soon as she starts crying
• Have someone you trust come over and look after your baby to give you a break
• Talk to someone about your feelings

Put your baby to sleep on his/her back to help prevent SIDS.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

SIDS (also known as crib death) refers to the sudden and unexpected death of a healthy baby less than one year of age.

Doctors do not know the cause of SIDS but they do know that you can reduce the risk of SIDS by:

• Laying your baby on her back to sleep and not on her stomach
• Having a smoke-free home
• Breastfeeding
• Keeping your baby warm but not hot. No doonahs or comforters, sheepskin, blankets, pillows under the baby, stuffed toys in crib, and no crib bumper pads

When your baby is awake and being watched, place your baby on his tummy during playtime. This is called “tummy time” and is necessary for your baby’s development.

Posted  withy permission from www.parentinginpeel.ca/