Newborn Know-How – 5 Health And Safety Tips All New Parents Need To Know

One of the hardest things you’ll go through as a new parent is watching your baby suffer from an injury or pain due to sickness.

The best advice for any new parent is to never leave your baby unattended during their waking hours. Of course, if your baby is sleeping then it’s pointless to watch over them like a hawk. 

Instead, follow these five health and safety tips to safeguard your little one against illnesses and accidents.

• Take Necessary Precautions When Using a Soother

In the olden days, most parents were against the use of pacifiers for babies. Nowadays, a vast majority of mums swear by it as a form of comfort. 

If you are using a pacifier, it’s important to keep checking that it’s in good condition as a torn pacifier can become a choking hazard. Sterilize the soother well by using a baby bottle brush and baby bottle cleaner to get rid of any germs. 

You must care for the pacifier in the same way you would care for your baby’s bottles. Try to replace the pacifier after a few months as an extra precautionary measure.

• Keep Watch Over Your Little One

One of the leading causes of newborn death is a condition known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This tragic condition is one of the reasons why new parents are nervous about leaving their babies to sleep alone. However, at some point, you need to catch up on your chores or simply take a break.

We recommend you invest in a good baby monitor. Having a baby monitor allows you to be with your baby, even if you are not physically present during nap times. You can hear your baby’s heartbeat and any coos coming from the nursery, no matter where you are in the house. It will also take away some of the paranoia associated with being a new parent.

• Do Not Swaddle As Was Done in the Hospital

During your stay at the hospital, you may have noticed the nurse confidently swaddling your baby to help replicate the feeling of being inside the womb. While swaddling is great, not all parents can expertly swaddle a baby.

When done incorrectly, swaddling can increase the risk of SIDS, cause the baby to feel too hot, and can also lead to problems when breastfeeding.

• Trust Your Parental Instinct

If you feel as though something is not right with your baby, you should listen to your gut feeling. As a new parent, it’s natural to feel so connected to your baby that you can tell when they’re sick, sometimes even before they start showing symptoms.

However, you should never administer medicine if you are uncertain as to what is wrong with the baby. If you do give your child any medication, take note of it. Visit a trusted pediatrician if the problem seems to be persisting.

• Be Wary with Activities that May Cause Injuries

Simple things like not carrying your baby while working near a stove or holding your baby firmly with one hand while changing nappies are a must. As soon as your little one starts rolling, they must never be left unattended on a bed.

Household safety measures must be put in place when babies start to crawl. Keep emergency contact numbers on the fridge, but understand that accidents are bound to happen. By following the steps above, you can at least reduce the likelihood that your child will be exposed to any serious hazards.