Newborn baby Safety Rules: Know the Basic Rules

Both inside and outside the home we can follow a series of Baby Safety Rules to guarantee the safety of the newborn, which we must also never leave unattended.

When having a baby of a few weeks or months, all precautions are little. Instinct itself makes us protect the baby from birth, but it does not hurt to review the basic rules of newborn safety. 

It may be that at the beginning of his life, the newborn needs basic care such as that we change the diaper well, that he is fed and that he sleeps and rests, but as he grows and reaches months, he will begin to move more and more, to crawl or to put things in the mouth, so that we have to take extreme precautions and thus avoid any accident or danger.

Newborn Baby Safety Rules away from home

• In the car , it is important to always have the child in the seat with the straps fastened , even if it is a short trip and if the speed is reduced. The seats must be approved , never save on this expense.
• The safety of newborns (but not just yours) also depends on the state of the driver . Do not drive if you are unwell, if you are very tired, have drunk alcohol, or have taken any medications that cause drowsiness. The same applies to any other driver.
• Never leave a child alone in the car, even during the 5 minutes it takes to buy bread. In hot weather, keeping the window open doesn’t make it any less dangerous – the risk of heat stroke, especially in younger babies, can be fatal.
• Never lose sight of your child at the grocery store, in the park, or during a walk. It could be dropped or lost, not forgetting the fact that there could be malicious people.
• Do not forget to bring water to hydrate the baby, especially on very hot days and a blanket and hat to keep him warm when you walk him in the stroller in winter.

Newborn Safety at Home

• During the bath , it is always important to hold the baby with one hand . For a large bathtub, place a towel or bath mat underneath to prevent it from slipping.
• Never leave a child unattended on a changing table, bed, sofa, or any other surface . Even a newborn baby who cannot roll over suddenly is capable of doing so. Also, never place the car seat, carrycot, or any seat high.
• Children should not be alone with a pet , even if they are educated and used to being with them. Animals can be unpredictable or react to a stimulus from the child, such as pulling on the tail.
• Be there when an older brother, but still very old, wants to be with the newborn . Even if the intentions are good and you just want to play, it can inadvertently hurt you.
• Choose the babysitter with extreme care . It is important that you present references.
• Never leave your child home alone , not even to pick up mail or hang up clothes. Accidents always happen very fast.
• Avoid any type of chain or cord on clothing, toys and any other object with which it usually comes in contact. So the newborn better have access to necklaces, pacifier straps, dog tags, or anything else long. Check that the end of the drawstrings on your hood, pajamas, and shorts have a knot so they won’t be easy to remove.
• Make sure the crib, playpen, and changing table are away from electrical or telephone cables , ropes, or Venetian blinds.
• Do not place plastic bags near your child, as they could take them and place them on their head, with the consequent risk of suffocation.
• Attention to toys: not those with small pieces that come off. Pay special attention to those of older siblings.
• Always remove the baby’s bib before putting him to bed.
• The crib must be free of stuffed animals , cushions, blankets, etc. to avoid the dangers associated with sudden baby death.
• Never place your baby on a surface near an unattended window , even if he is sleeping.