Parent Safety Points

The Main Safety Points to Discuss with New Parents

1. Swaddling – Avoid overheating and loose blankets. Remember to wake baby and feed 8-12 times a day.
2. Side Stomach Position- Always support infant head. Side/stomach is the best way to calm a crying baby but always put infant on back for sleep.
3. Shhh – White noise from hair dryer needs to be at least 6 ft away from infant. Match volume/vigor to baby’s cry.
4. Swinging – Never shake a baby out of frustration. If frustrate because infant is crying take a break. When in swing- make sure baby is strapped into swing and reclined back. Motions are fast but tiny, head stays in line with body.
5. Sucking – Avoid nipple confusion. Discourage the use of pacifiers and bottles until nursing is well established. Can try pacifier at 1-2 weeks and bottles at 2-3 weeks. Make sure nipple or finger is clean. Don’t dip nipples into syrup/honey. Never attach pacifier to baby with string or ribbon.
6. Sleep – Only place baby to sleep on back. Remove all loose bedding and pillows from babies sleep area. Do not allow baby to sleep on waterbed, pillows, sofa or a soft surface. If co-sleeping, note important safety tips.

Parents need to consult physician for medical questions or if concerned about infant.