New parents have a lot to adapt to. From sleepless nights to the responsibility of keeping your little one safe, there are so many adjustments to get used to when becoming a new parent. To help your mind be at ease, here are some helpful safety tips for new parents:
1. Get CPR certified
Performing CPR on infants is different from knowing how to do CPR on adults. Although you’ll hopefully never be put in a position where you need to save a life, getting a CPR first aid certification can help provide you with peace of mind. It’s the kind of thing you never want to use but something you’ll be glad that you’ve learned, should you ever have to.
2. Research the safest cribs
Shopping around for a crib goes beyond just finding the cutest one. You want to shop around for one that meets safety standards. Although you may not think twice about the space between slats, this is actually something very important to pay attention to when shopping for a crib. If it’s not a regulated crib, it’s best to avoid purchasing it.
3. Avoid extra things in the crib
From stuffed animals to blankets and toys, children can accidentally suffocate on extra items in their crib.
Many parents use sleep sacks that provide their child with warmth while sleeping while avoiding any risk of blanket suffocation. While you may love a cute crib set up, make it a point to always remove any extra items when it’s time for your infant to sleep. It’s worth the effort. If you use a bassinet next to your bed in the early stages, make sure that the height is correct for your bed and that there are no gaps.
4. Study safety measures with car seats
Cribs that aren’t designed with safety in mind and extra crib items certainly pose dangers to babies. However, a moving vehicle is also another high-risk area. Take great care when looking for a car seat and even more care when learning how to install it in your car and how to secure your infant. Rear-facing car seats are ideal for infants.
If you are a modern parent concerned about being able to see your baby’s face as you drive, install a mirror that makes it easy for you to check on your baby through the rearview mirror.
5. Research potential caregivers
As a career person, you may be looking into hiring someone to take care of your infant while you’re on the job. Although a great resume may make you want to hire someone on the spot, it’s important to screen any potential infant caregiver, so you can be sure that you’re hiring a childcare professional that cares about your newborn’s safety as much as you do.
While you’re hiring a caregiver, make sure to check for things like experience in infant care, CPR certification, and their ability to stay focused on their responsibility.
Conclusion
As any responsible parent does, your infant’s care and safety are of the utmost importance. From screening potential caregivers to purchasing safe items for your baby, there’s a lot to think about in the first year of your child’s life.
While it may feel overwhelming at first, as you get used to life as a new parent and follow these safety tips for new parents, you’ll find it easier to make certain changes at home. Many people like to hire a certified baby planner to help them learn the best practices to create the safest environment for their infant. Consider reading self-help books and working with a professional to ensure you can keep your baby safe.
