Becoming a parent means that you will need to prioritize your newborn’s safety. The situation might seem simple, but once the baby starts to grow and learn, you will find that there are a lot of challenges in ensuring safety.
If you are not confident in your skills, and lack the necessary experience, take a proactive approach and read the tips below.
Tip #1 – Safe Sleeping Habits
Babies will spend a lot of their time sleeping. There are guidelines you can find online about how babies should sleep on their backs because sleeping on a tummy has risks.
The room in which the baby sleeps should have an optimal temperature – one that is not too cold or hot. If the baby is sleeping in his or her crib, remove any potential hazards like extra pillows and toys.
Pacifiers can be a life-saver for some parents, but if you leave a pacifier inside of your baby’s mouth while they sleep, make sure that the pacifier does not have any strings attached to it.
Finally, there should be no smoking or any other harmful habits in the room. Avoid anything that creates a bad environment for someone who is still in early development.
Tip #2 – Baby-Proof House
There are a lot of dangers in the home. And the bigger your house, the more you will have to think about potential areas that need baby-proof.
For instance, getting the most secure baby gates for stairs will significantly reduce the risks if there are multiple stairs in your house.
Electric sockets and other hazards should be out of reach. However, if there is a chance that the baby might reach it, you will want to take the necessary measures and restrict the access to these hazards.
Utensils and dishes should be in the cupboard. Cleaning detergents that pose a danger due to all the chemicals should be sealed properly. Windows should also be something that a baby cannot reach.
TVs, smartphones, and other devices also have risks and should be kept away. Finally, if you have a fireplace in your home, ensure that it is safe and sound and does not threaten the baby.
Tip #3 – Baby Attendance
Babies, even when they grow up to be a bit older, will remain curious. Leaving them unattended is not wise, and you should always keep your guard. And in case you cannot look yourself, have someone do the work for you.
Take extra caution when it comes to the kitchen, garden, or bathroom. These environments pose more danger and require extra attention.
Tip #4 – Usage of Proper Medicine
Be smart and always consult with your family doctor before you commit to buying any medication. It is easy to make a mistake, especially when you have very little experience in the medical field.
There are multiple cases where negligent parents caused overdose in their babies. Take precautions and keep track of everything that you give to the baby. Create notes in case you forget. Babies get sick often, and you will need to practice good habits to become a proper parent.
Tip #5 – New Car Seats
You may receive some hand-me-downs from friends or family, but when it comes to the overall safety of the infant, it would be better not to take a risk.
Prioritize the safety of your child over trying to save a few dollars. Whether it is a crib or a baby car seat, second-hand items will not provide as much safety as something new that you have purchased yourself.
If you are not sure whether you can afford these things yourself, save some money or ask your family or friends to give you money instead of second-hand stuff.
Tip #6 – Protection From Heat
Babies do not sweat as efficiently as adults, meaning that parents need to be more aware of the time they spend together with an infant outside.
If the weather is not too hot or cold, you do not need to be as cautious so long as you have taken all the necessary measures. On the other hand, if the weather outside is extreme and you have no choice but to take the child with you, make sure that the risks are kept to a minimum. Negligence will lead to potential fevers and other problems that can be difficult to deal with.
Conclusion
All in all, if you have had a baby recently and would like to ensure that there are as few risks as possible, the tips above ought to be of great help. And remember that you will gain experience with time. Be a bit more patient, even if things are not going that great at first. Being a good parent is not easy, but if you are willing to commit, you are going to become on.
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.