Baby Safety Month ♡

Baby safety.

Being a parent comes with heightened levels of anxiety as to how to protect our most precious gifts, our children. Though we can't keep our little ones safe from every fall, scrape, or tear, there are some practical things we can do to ensure the safety of your baby. Many injuries occur in your home and even in your car. There are plenty of obvious ways to protect your little ones such as keeping sharp objects out of reach, keeping them from placing dangerous items in their mouth, and to store items like: guns, lighters, irons, and plastic bags in a safe place. But what about the safety hazards you hardly ever think about? In honor of Baby Safety Month, we want to share tips that will keep your baby out of harm's way and to also diminish the fears of something ever happening to your baby.

Safety First.

Babies love to move and groove in their bath water. It’s the sound water makes when babies are splashing that fills them with giggles and happiness. So much fun! Some of the most fun, yet scariest places are bathtubs, pools, and sinks! Never leave your baby unattended. Always keep a firm hold on your baby during bath time. Make sure you have everything you need for the bath before getting started, so you can avoid accidents.

• According to NationwideChildrens.org, the best way to test your baby's bath water is to test the water with your elbow. When you put your elbow in the water, it should feel warm.
• You should also pay attention to the water your baby drinks. Giving your bath too much water can decrease their sodium level and result in serious medical problems. Breast milk and baby formula provides all the fluid your baby needs.
• It is suggested that babies should start to drink water when they are introduced to solid foods. Every baby is different; it is important to talk with your pediatrician about water safety and what type of water is best for your baby.

Food Safety

It is healthier to purchase your own ingredients and cook your baby's food versus buying the products in store. That way you control the ingredients and you know what your baby is consuming. Make sure to cook food thoroughly to ensure all bacteria is killed. An alternative to cooking your own food is buying organic baby food. Organic baby food is usually free of growth hormones, pesticides, and other chemicals.

How to prevent your baby/child from choking? Do not give your baby or child grapes, nuts, hot dogs, raisins, or popcorn. Introducing your baby to solid foods before they are able to chew/digest them properly can lead them to choking. Always stay near your baby to make sure that they are able to chew and digest what they eat.

• Always sterilize your baby's bottles, sippy cups, and pacifiers. It wouldn't hurt to take a class in CPR just to be on the safe side.

Storing Breast Milk.

Use the right storage containers, preferably glass jars, or plastic breast milk storage bags. Make sure you label all of your breast milk with the date. Store 2 to 4 ounces and place them into your freezer.

1. What are the dont's?
   • Do not refreeze already thawed breast milk
   • Do not add warm breast milk to frozen breast milk.
   • Do not use boiling water to thaw out your breast milk.

Babyproofing your

One of the most important steps to take before your baby reaches their walking stage is to babyproof your home. The more babies grow the more they want to explore and get into everything! You can invest in corner protectors, door knob covers, toilet locks, and baby gates.

Babies are always unlocking new levels to life. First they crawl, then they walk, and now they climb. Unfortunately, climbing things such as dressers, bookshelves, and tv stands lead to furniture tipping right over. Furniture tip over can happen at any time. Toddlers don't think twice about climbing furniture to get their favorite toy. What should you do?

Never place your baby's toys on top of furniture. They are more tempted to climb if their favorite toy or snack is not in reach.

• • You can buy magnetic locks to keep the doors/cabinets shut. You can also attach dressers and bookshelves to the wall using safety straps.
  • Purchase Furniture anchors! According to anchoreit.gov, about every 43 minutes a child in the U.S. is injured from a tv or furniture tip-over incident. Properly mounting or anchoring can prevent these tragic incidents.

BABY SAFETY MONTH

Baby accessories and baby toys play a huge role in ensuring the safety of your baby because of your constant use for certain products and toys. You will always need car seats, slings, strollers, baby carriers, and so much more. Remember to always check to see if baby products have been recalled. We urge parents to never use products that have been recalled. To keep up with what products have been recalled, visit Safekids.org

Never hold your baby in your lap while riding in your car. No matter the distance you're traveling, secure your bundle of joy! Before taking your newborn home, you have to get their car seat installed properly. As a new mom with thousands of options, it can be hard to find the perfect one for your child. One that is not only stylish, but safe enough to hold/transport your baby.

• There are three types of carseats : rear facing convertible or forward facing convertible, rear facing only, and the booster. You also have the combination which combines the harness and seat belt. You change the seat when your child begins to grow.
• Carefully read car seat instructions to ensure that the seat has been properly installed.

To minimize the risk of leaving your baby inside of your vehicle, try placing something in your backseat you know you always carry, such as keys or your purse. Doing this will help you remember to grab your baby! Oh... and your keys too!

Baby Clothes.

All babies have sensitive skin. It is important to choose an option that doesn’t irritate your little one. They are made with organic cotton. Organic cotton is the absolute best option for your baby. What is the difference between cotton and organic cotton? Organic cotton is made without the use of pesticides, formaldehyde, and harsh chemicals. Such chemicals can be harmful to their sensitive skin.

Sleeping Baby.

Please remember to always place your little ones on their backs when it is time for bed and even when they're taking a nap. To prevent your little one from suffocation and choking, remove all pillows and blankets that are around them. This can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. (SIDS)

• Always sterilize your baby's blankets, sheets, and whatever else they usually sleep with.

Newborns are more prone to infections being that they are more sensitive to the world. It is extremely important that you maintain a clean and healthy environment not only for you, but for the baby as well. The very first step to ensure a baby is safe around you and other members of the family is to keep those hands CLEAN.

You can also protect the baby by avoiding large crowds and keeping a safe distance between you and other people when you have to run errands. Try avoiding people who are sick. When you make a quick grocery store run and have to go back into your home from being outside, wash your hands before grabbing your little one, before breastfeeding, and before you prepare a bottle or food.

According to KidsHealth, if you take your baby outside in an infant carrier, place a blanket over the carrier while it's within your view. Make sure the blanket doesn't touch the baby. Wipe down the carrier or stroller when you get home.

Keeping your baby safe during the pandemic..

FREE - Newborn Stem Cell Banking Information Kit ♡

THE CONTENT OF THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. If you have a medical emergency or question, immediately call your doctor or dial 911 for assistance.