Raising children requires a lot of labour from emotional to physical. That may explain why in 2020, the UK recorded 613,936 live births, making that year one of the lowest in five years. If you decide you are ready for it, safety will have to be on top of your priority list. You can never have too many safety precautions when you have babies around. The steps you take can save your baby from a lot of discomforts. More importantly, the effectiveness of the safety measures can make all the difference. These are safety tips you may want to pay attention to.
- Bathing safety
You should always be careful when you have water and shampoo or soap around your baby. And to ensure safety there are a few things you can do. First of all, a slip-resistant infant bathtub may be ideal. It prevents your baby from slipping in the tub during bath time. Also, you should limit the amount of warm water to two to three inches. Remember to check the water temperature with your wrist and not your fingers or palm. If unsure, it would be advisable to use a baby bath thermometer. According to Johnson’s baby website, a temperature of 37 or 38 degrees Celsius is fine. Meanwhile, it is crucial to stay close to the baby during the bathing process. You may want to avoid leaving the baby unwatched in the tub, even for the briefest period. If you need to be away momentarily, call someone in the house or go with the baby.
- Nappy change safety
If you’re a first-time parent, nappy change time can be tricky. It can also be cumbersome when the baby wiggles and doesn’t stay still. This is one of the most crucial moments to be attentive. Focusing on the baby while wiping them or changing their nappy can save you from trouble. It would help if you opt for change mats with raised edges. This offers extra protection for your baby during the process.
- Nursery safety
A baby’s nursery can be the most beautifully-designed room. However, it can compromise your baby’s protection if it lacks basic safety measures. For example, never keep quilts, pillows, or comforters in the baby cot. Again, until your baby is above two years, keeping a stuffed toy in the immediate sleeping space may not be a good idea. These measures ensure your baby isn’t suffocated. If you use a cot or bassinet in the nursery, always ensure that the mattress is snug within the frame. There should be no space between the frame and the mattress. When a baby is between six and nine months old and can stand with the help of a firm object, you will need to install another set of steps. You may also need to move the mattress a level or two lower in the cot. As part of the safety measures, ensure your baby sleeps on their back and not tummy down.
Last but not least, remember to properly position the baby during feeding time. Whether on breastmilk or formula, it is advisable to hold them as your paediatrician taught you.