People who have children know all too well about the sleep deprivation that goes hand-in-hand with having a new baby. But it's no laughing matter.
A baby who doesn't sleep well can be more prone to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation. Parents who don't get enough sleep are more prone to depression, accidents, abuse, even obesity.
There is new hope, however, according to America's most popular pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp.
Missy and Brandon Peters adore their new son, Lennox. But, the lack of sleep that came with him has them frazzled.
"It's a little challenging and a bit frustrating," Brandon admitted.
Most people think being a new parent means you're exhausted all the time. But Dr. Karp says it doesn't have to be that way.
He's helped millions of parents, including celebrities Michelle Pfeiffer, Pierce Brosnan, Jewel, and Madonna. In his latest book, The Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep, Karp clears up some myths passed down through many generations.
Myth 1: Babies Should Sleep in Silence
"Should I try to be quiet so that way he doesn't wake up?" Missy asked.
"It's actually one of the biggest misconceptions we have about babies," Karp explained.
"Everybody thinks you've got to tip-toe around the baby sleeping but actually the womb, it's a dynamic world for babies," he continued. "The sound inside is actually louder than a vacuum cleaner, 24-7. So to bring a baby into a quiet room is actually weird for them."
Karp advises exposing your baby to "white noise." The surprising part is that it should be fairly loud -- as loud as a shower. Not only do babies find the noise comforting, as a bonus, it drowns out other household noise.
Brandon noted there are lots of white noise sound tracks on the market now.
"It's important to choose the right type of sound," Karp said. "For example, if your baby is crying, a high-pitched sound will quiet him because it gets his attention. That would include hissy sounds, like a loud 'shhhhhhh.'
When your baby is trying to sleep, Karp notes, "You want a rumbly sound like a train or a plane, that kind of 'rrrrrrrr' that puts you to sleep."
"And you play it all night long for the entire first year of life, to help him sleep in the beginning, but also to help him sleep through teething and growth spurts later on," he explained.
Karp even made a white noise CD that's ideal for sleeping babies and is available on his website, The Happiest Baby.
Myth 2: Some Babies Sleep through the Night
Like most parents of newborns, Brandon looks forward to a full night's sleep.
"How can we lengthen the amount of time that he sleeps at night?" he asked.
"You know how people say, 'My baby sleeps all night long?' Well, no baby sleeps all night long," Karp said. "Every baby wakes up three or four times a night. But you wouldn't know it if they're able to put themselves to sleep."
"If they can't put themselves to sleep, then they're calling for you three times," he said.
The trick then is to teach the baby how to put himself back to sleep when he wakes up at night. That leads us to our next myth.
Myth 3: Never Wake a Sleeping Baby
"I usually nurse him," Missy explained. "And sometimes, well, most of the time, he falls asleep in my arms. Should we just slip him into bed?"
"Nowadays, a lot of parents are told, 'Don't let your baby fall asleep in your arms or at the breast because if you slide him in to bed asleep he never really learns the skill of putting himself to sleep in the middle of the night.' And that's kind of true," Karp explained.
"If you always slide him into bed asleep then he may not get that skill," he continued. "But on the other hand, you can't keep a baby from falling asleep in your arms. And it's the most beautiful thing you ever do with your baby."
Karp described a very simple technique where parents can allow their baby to fall asleep in their arms and also, at the same time, teach him how to fall asleep on his own in bed. It's what he calls "wake-sleep."
"So when you slide him into bed, wake him up a little bit, which I know sounds like, 'are you crazy?'" Karp said.
"But here's the reason you do it," he continued. "You feed him, you've got the white noise playing about as loud as a shower and you've got him swaddled up. So when he wakes up he's kind of drunk from the milk anyway."
Karp said that woozy period is an ideal time to jiggle your baby awake or lightly scratch the bottom of his foot, enough to wake him just a bit.
"But I want his eyes open five or 10 seconds," Karp instructed. "Because in that 10 seconds he's going to start to learn to put himself to sleep at night."
So by putting these myths to bed, baby and parents can sleep well. That way everyone is happier and healthier.
Would you like more tips on better parenting? Dr. Karp is making a house call your town! He's hosting a live, nationwide event in theaters June 21 with actress and mom Ali Landry. For more information, go to "Parents Night Out: The Happiest Baby/Toddler with Dr. Harvey Karp."
September is Baby Safety Month, sponsored annually by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). This year, JPMA is helping educate parents and caregivers on the importance of safely using second hand, hand-me-down, and heirloom baby gear.
In these tough economic times, parents are pinching pennies anywhere they can. A new nursery can cost as little or as much as you are willing to spend. Whether by choice or necessity, parents are increasingly buying second hand products. From garage sales, auctions, thrift stores or friends and family, parents are finding ways to cut costs on baby gear.
If you are on a tight budget, buying second hand is a good alternative, however it is vital you follow a few basic rules to ensure you aren’t compromising safety for price.
Most importantly, err on the side of caution and safety and use your best judgment when buying second hand baby products or taking hand-me-downs. If you are unsure of the safety of any used baby product, it's better to buy new.
Raising a bundle of joy takes care and knowledge to ensure the first years are happy and healthy. It’s important to know how to properly use any juvenile product, new or used, including cautiously following product instructions and using keenly attuned instincts when caring for baby at all times.
There is an abundance of material available today for parents and caregivers looking for safety information regarding juvenile products. This year’s Baby Safety Month campaign and the information contained on this Web site provide insight into the safe selection and use of second hand, hand-me-down, and heirloom products.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to read through the safety tips, and a special section just for retailers provides ideas and helpful hints for promoting Baby Safety Month in-store. We invite you to celebrate Baby Safety Mon
JPMA would like to acknowledge WeMakeItSafer for supporting this important campaign and providing a portion of the safety guidelines included on this site.
Just because you're going back to work, you don't have to give up breastfeeding. Why would you, when breastfeeding offers baby so many benefits, including a stronger immune system, fewer allergies, and protection against many chronic diseases—not to mention precious bonding time for both of you?
With a little planning, you can balance breastfeeding and working. You'll need a quality breast pump, a quiet place to use it and a flexible attitude. A good sense of humor is essential, too. Here's what the experts recommend.
Talk to the Boss
It's up to you, but experts suggest sharing your nursing plans and needs with your employer. For one thing, you'll need to agree on a clean, private place where you can pump. (Find out if you'll have access to an electrical outlet before you buy a breast pump, so you can choose accordingly.)
Your employer may need to approve your pumping schedule, too. If you can't fit it into your lunch hour and allotted breaks, offer to make up the lost work time.
Some employers are more accommodating than others. Tell your boss: working moms who breastfeed miss less time due to baby-related illnesses than moms who don't! And their medical costs are lower, too, thanks to the many health benefits of breast milk, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
Finally, know your rights. In some states, there are laws requiring employers to permit breastfeeding and pumping, and even provide a place for it. To research your state's laws, visit The National Conference of State Legislatures website (www.ncsl.org) or La Leche League International (www.llli.org).
What You'll Need
According to the working moms we know, a comfortable, high-performance breast pump makes all the difference. Get a double pump; it will save you valuable work time. Look for one that is lightweight, portable, and quiet, and that includes a discreet carry bag. In addition, you'll need:
Access to a refrigerator for storing milk
An insulated tote for bringing milk home (this can double as a cooler if you don't have a fridge).
Storage bags or bottles
Nursing pads
At first, you might find it hard to relax while pumping at work. Some moms trigger letdown by playing the sound of their hungry babies crying, or holding an article of baby clothing that carries their infants' scent.
Practice using the pump in advance. This will allow you to get familiar with the equipment, while building up a supply of milk—two things that can ease the stress of those first on-the-job pumping sessions. If your baby hasn't yet taken a bottle, introduce him. Some breastfed babies are slow to accept a bottle, so the more practice time, the better.
Protect Your Schedule
Most babies love fixed schedules. So do nursing moms. Employ strategies that help you stick to yours religiously. For example, if your office uses a computerized scheduling program, block off your pumping time on your calendar, to eliminate potential meeting conflicts.
In addition, choose a caregiver who will work with you—someone who will arrange baby's other feedings around your schedule, so you can nurse right after work. Ideally, if you can find a caregiver close enough to your workplace, you may even be able to stop by on your lunchbreak for a feeding.
Oops-proofing Your Wardrobe
Expressing milk at work can present some unique wardrobe challenges. Here's where that sense of humor comes in.
Wear tops that open in front or that you can pull up for easier access.
Dark colors and patterns hide leaking better and camouflage nursing pads. Avoid white and solid pastel blouses.
Keep an extra top or sweater at work in case of an accident.
If you're pumping in a common area, bring a nursing shawl or blanket for privacy.
If you're nursing—or planning to—you'll want to explore our thoughtful breastfeeding collection. You'll find superior breast pumps and nursing aids, as well as bottles designed to simulate breastfeeding. We're here to help you make it work!
Whether you are pregnant and setting up your first nursery, welcoming baby #3, or are a proud grandparent and want to set up a baby’s room in your house, setting up THE ideal nursery really means setting up YOUR ideal nursery. Only you have the right answers to how your baby’s room should look and feel. Your baby’s nursery should fit your personality and lifestyle. Once you determine that, the products will fall into place. The great news about being a parent today is CHOICES…CHOICES…CHOICES! No matter what your personality, lifestyle, or budget, you can outfit your ideal nursery and create that “AHH” moment every time you open the door.
Whether you pick blue or pink, polka dots or stripes, the number one rule is to make your nursery a safe environment where you and your child can feel comfortable. There are a few basic guidelines to ALWAYS remember:
The only sure-fire way to keep your baby safe is direct supervision when juvenile products are in use.
For the safest product use, be sure to always read and follow all manufacturers’ instructions and height and age limitations.
It is recommended second-hand products should not be used for baby. However, if it is imperative to use older products, make sure they have not been recalled, meet current safety standards and have all the manufacturer instructions and labeling requirements.
Keep in mind that new products meeting current safety standards are the safest option.
Don’t forget to frequently inspect products for missing hardware, loose threads and strings, holes and tears.
Be sure to look for the JPMA Certification Seal for added assurance the product was built with safety in mind.
As a concerned parent or caregiver, your job is to childproof your home carefully so baby can safely explore his or her world. It’s a good idea to get down on your hands and knees and look around from baby’s perspective. This really helps spot potentially dangerous objects.
For example, an ordinary plant can be poisonous if a curious baby decides to taste it. Even toddler toys left lying around by an older sibling should not be in baby’s reach.
When checking your home, it is also a good time to be sure baby does not have access to swimming pools, toilets, cleaning buckets, bathtubs, showers or hot tubs. It is possible for baby to drown in as little as two inches of water.
Medicines, bleaches, oven and drain cleaners, paint solvents, polishes, waxes, matches, cigarettes and lighters are also dangerous to baby. These should always be kept out of baby’s reach. Childproof safety locks for cabinets can be helpful. Use child-resistant packaging as it can help save baby’s life. Keep the number of the poison control center near your phone so you can call for emergency first-aid advice.
Electrical outlets, appliances and cords can be baby safety hazards. Be sure to cover unused electrical outlets with safety caps and replace broken or missing receptacle cover plates. Small appliances, including blow dryers and irons, should be unplugged when not in use and kept out of baby’s reach.
Plastic wrap and plastic dry cleaning, shopping and garbage bags are every day items that are dangerous for baby. They should be kept from baby at all times.
Never use plastic shipping bags or other plastic film as mattress covers. And baby should never be allowed to lie or sleep face down on, or next to, pillows, cushions, comforters or adult waterbeds.
ALWAYS pull drape or blind cords and decorative wall hangings with strings out of baby’s reach. Be aware of this especially in the nursery when choosing the location for baby’s crib.
Register! The best way to make sure the items you own have not been recalled is to register them. Durable infant and toddler products, including most baby gear items, are now required by law to come with recall-only product registration cards and online registration forms. That means, the manufacturer is not allowed to use your information for any purpose other than recall notification.
If you choose not to register your products with the manufacturer, or the product does not have a registration program, you can use “Items I Own” by WeMakeItSafer to register all of your belongings for recall alerts in one place. Because Items I Own checks for past recalls as well as monitoring for future ones, it is especially helpful for secondhand products.
Remember, staying on top of recalls will not only protect your family now, it will protect others when you decide to give away or sell your belongings down the line.
This may seem as a laugh when your child is newborn. And it is. But at around two months according to my experience, it is possible to get into a routine that makes your baby want to go to sleep at around the same time every night.
Depending on how much time you want to allocate to this, you could give your baby a bath and a massage or both before putting him to bed. Or you can sing lullaby or read a story.
With three kids to put to bed, my routine for our baby was merely to wash him (no bath), put on a new diaper and a pyjamas, put the lights out and put him to bed with his stuffed animal and pacifier. I swaddled his lower body and one arm until he was a few months old. I might have to go in and give him his pacifier a few times before he falls asleep, but that I can handle while helping my other kids to get ready for bed.
You need to introduce a morning routine too, getting up at about the same time every day, to make this work smoothly.
Other than having some free time in the evening, there is another great advantage with having your child falling asleep in his bed - he will not become terrified waking up in the middle of the night! If your baby always falls asleep in your arms, he will start believing that this is his bed, everything else must be terribly wrong.
Would you go back to sleep if you found yourself on the floor instead of in your bed waking up in the middle of the night? Probably not. The same thing goes for a baby.
Yes, they can go to sleep by themselves if not hungry!
This you should do both at night and every time your baby takes a nap at day time.
During his first weeks your baby will probably fall asleep at your breast every time he nurses (or with the bottle). Don't worry about it.
When he is a little bit older, at two months or so, you can feed him while he is still not too tired and then put a tired, full baby to bed half an hour later.
Rock your baby's bed
This one is not new to you, I'm sure. This is what all parents do, right? But a reminder of how much it helps might be good when deciding on where the baby shall sleep during his or her first months.
Two of my kids slept in a cradle during their first four months. Our youngest slept in a regular crib. Not good. How do you rock a crib?? Well, you could buy Vyssanlull feet to the bed, a great Swedish invention.
You just put them onto the crib's legs and - ta da - you have a rocking crib. Great help.
If you can't find any of these in your country, and you don't want to invest in a cradle, you could use buy either a rocking crib like the DaVinci Alpha Mini Rocking Crib or a similar one or use your stroller. (Although, there might be safety issues involved. For example, the baby could fall out.) If you use your stroller I suggest that you only use it when you are awake.
My last suggestion is to put your baby in his crib on a flat pillow (again, check safety issues), not only his head, but a large part of his back. When he starts waking up, gently rock his upper body by slightly lifting the pillow up and rock it gently.
It is of course not ideal that the infant needs to be rocked to go back to sleep, but as a means to lengthen the time between his nursing moments, I think it is a great method, at least it has worked for me!
A lot of eating in the evening
This may also help a hungry baby sleep better. Feed him until he doesn't want more. Do it ever second hour or even more often in the evening.
Stuffed animal or blanket that smells MOM
Mom and milk are usually what babies want the most when waking up. With a stuffed animal with your smell on it, your infant might not feel as lonely when waking up in the middle of the night.
Put the animal close to your body for a few day and nights and then give it to your baby every time he goes to sleep.
However, you need to use a small stuffed animal, to make sure that it can't cover your baby's face.
A light cotton cloth over the eyes
I know many babies that fall asleep almost instantly if their face is covered by a very thin cotton cloth. I suppose it helps them shutting out distracting visual impressions.
Try this for naps rather than falling asleep at night, and don't leave the cloth with the baby out of your sight (for example at night) if you think there is even a remote risk that the baby could be suffocated by it, or that it could impact his oxygen uptake, and increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
Slowly shorten nighttime feeding length
Do you have a very enthusiastic night time feeder? Try reducing the length (hence the amount) of every occasion, there by slowly teaching him to eat less at night.
Introduce a pacifier
Small children usually have a strong need to suckle. Both my youngest kids did not, however, accept a pacifier until they were 2.5 months old. So hang in there! And try some different kinds.
Some children need some help to learn how to use the pacifier. Having learned, it might be a lot easier for the baby to fall asleep in his bed instead of at your breast.
As an important bonus, recent research indicates that a baby sleeping on his back, using a pacifier runs an extra low risk of SIDS. Check this with your care provider!
A sleep bag
Babies who are too warm or too cold wake up more easily. Some sort of baby sleep bag might be of great help, as it keeps the baby warm: Also, there is no risk that the baby either kicks off the blanket or pulls it over his face. I can truly recommend a Grobag or a similar cheaper baby sleeping bags, like this one!. This Grobag baby sleep bag is quite expensive in my view, but is really good and has won several awards for best nursery product in the UK.
Actually, even if your infant doesn't sleep better in a baby sleep bag, you might!
At least I did when I could stop worrying about my baby pulling the blanket over his face. Some babies tend to start doing this when a few months old.
GET DAD INVOLVED!
Ahh, I almost forgot the most important point!
To give you an example - ten months old, my daughter still woke up every second hour to nurse. We decided that we had to do something drastic. Starting a Friday night, her dad took her up when she started crying at night. He rocked her in his arms, gave her the pacifier and - believe it or not - she went back to sleep within minutes.
After only three nights, she only woke up twice a night. At these occasions, we let her eat, because she wouldn't settle easily with dad. One month later she only woke up once and at the age on one, we did the procedure one more time to take away the last night time meal. It also only took a few days. WHAT a RELIEF! So WHY didn't I try earlier???
Don't do the same mistake! Work as a team with your spouse to improve your family's nights. Babies weighing more than 10 pounds (don't they all, almost?) and at least at 6 months don't really need to eat at night. (As always check your specific situation with your care provider). You can learn more about this method and other ways to stop nursing a baby to sleep here.
Want more?
That was it... These tips above will take you a long way, I promise! But if you want more detail, I suggest you get yourself a book or an audio book on the topic. My favorite infant sleep book by far is the "No Cry Sleep Solution". You can read my review of it here.
And for audio books, check out the Baby Sleep Solution. This one, you just download and bring on your next stroller walk. Check out the Baby Sleep Solution Here.
Welcome to the JPMA Safety House. Be sure every room in your home is a safe place where your child can explore and grow mentally and physically. Click on any room to discover how to safely provide the best possible environment for your baby.
Bedroom
Look for bassinets and cradles with a sturdy bottom and a wide, stable base.
Swinging cradles should have a way to keep them from swinging once a baby is asleep.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on the appropriate weight and size of babies who can safely use the bassinet or cradle.
If a product has legs that fold for storage, make sure that effective locks are provided to ensure that the legs do not accidentally fold while in use.
Decorative bows and ribbons should be trimmed short and stitched securely to prevent strangulation.
Infants should ALWAYS sleep in a crib, which meets current Federal and ASTM standards.
The crib mattress should fit snugly with no more than two fingers width, one-inch, between the edge of the mattress and the crib side. Otherwise, the baby can get trapped between the mattress and the side of the crib.
Remember to ALWAYS keep the drop side up when the baby is in the crib.
NEVER place the crib near windows, draperies, blinds,or wall mounted decorative accessories with long cords.
Make sure there are no missing, loose, broken, or improperly installed screws, brackets or other hardware on the crib or the mattress support.
Crib slats or spindles should be spaced no more than 2 3/8” apart, and none should be loose or missing.
Never use a crib with corner posts over 1/16 of an inch above the end panels (unless they’re over 16” high for a canopy). Babies can strangle if their clothes become caught on corner posts. These should be unscrewed or sawed off, and the remaining end panel should be sanded smooth.
No cutout areas on the headboard or footboard so baby’s head cannot get trapped.
ALWAYS use a crib sheet that fits securely on the mattress, wraps around the mattress corners and stays securely on the mattress corners.
Use bumper pads only until the child can pull up to a standing position. Then remove them so baby cannot use the pads to climb out of the crib.
Mobiles should also be removed when baby can pull himself or herself up.
NEVER place infants to sleep on pillows, sofa cushions, adult beds, waterbeds, beanbags, or any other surface not specifically designed for infant sleep.
Bed rails are not designed for infant use so do not use in place of a crib.
Some beds have built-in bed rails but a portable bed rail is for use only with an adult mattress and box spring. Portable bed rails are not for use with bunk beds, water mattresses, or inflatable mattresses.
Use a bed rail only with a standard innerspring mattress and box spring.
Do not use a bed rail on a bunk bed, water mattress, or bed without a box spring.
Be sure to keep the bed rail firmly against the mattress when in use to prevent dangerous gaps.
For toddler beds, place headboard against wall rather than the side of the bed so that the child can’t become trapped between wall and bed.
For Babies Under 12 Months…
Normal, healthy infants should ALWAYS sleep on their backs unless otherwise advised by a pediatrician.
Only a fitted sheet, mattress pad, and/or waterproof pad should be used under baby.
Cover baby with a thin covering, such as a crib blanket, receiving blanket or other blankets specifically designed for infants, only reaching as far as baby’s chest, and tuck the covering around the crib mattress. For newborns, consider swaddling.
Do not overdress your baby. Consider using a sleeper, wearble blanket, or other sleep clothing as an alternative to any covering
ALWAYS use restraint system to restrain baby when the changing table is in use.
ALWAYS keep one hand on the baby on the changing table. Be sure any baby products you need, such as diapers or wipes, are easily accessible.
Bathroom
Bath seats and bath rings should be used with children who are capable of sitting upright unassisted. Discontinue use when a child can pull to a standing position.
NEVER leave baby unattended. If you need to leave the bathroom, take the baby with you. Do not rely on older children to watch the baby for you.
Collect all bathing materials before bringing baby into the bathroom.
Never use a bath seat on textured or non-skid tub surfaces unless the manufacturer’s instructions specifically state the seat is intended for such surfaces.
Place the bath seat in the tub so baby cannot reach the faucet or spout.
After running a minimum amount of warm water in the tub, carefully place baby into the bath seat.
If bath seat moves or tips while your child is in it, discontinue use.
Good practice to keep bathroom doors closed and toilet seats closed and locked. It is possible for baby to drown in as little as two inches of water.
Small appliances, including blow dryers and irons, should be unplugged when not in use and kept out of baby’s reach.
Garage
Check for adjustments on a stroller that reduces the size of seat openings in the front to prevent your baby from falling out when seat back is reclined into the flat position.
Choose a carriage or stroller that has a base wide enough to prevent tipping, even when your baby leans over the side.
If the stroller seat adjusts to a reclining position, make sure the carriage or stroller doesn’t tip backwards when the child lies down.
ALWAYS secure the baby by using the restraint straps.
Don’t hang pocketbooks or shopping bags over the handles of the carriage or stroller. If your stroller has a shopping basket for carrying packages, it should be low on the back of the stroller or directly over the rear wheels.
Use the locking device on any stroller to prevent accidental folding.
Apply the brakes to limit rotation of the wheels when stroller is stationary.
When you fold or unfold the stroller, keep the baby’s hands away from the areas that could pinch tiny fingers.
The back seat is the safest place to ride.
Infants must ride rear facing or in a car bed.
Always anchor the car seat/booster seat to the car using the seat belt exactly as directed by the car seat/booster seat manufacturer.
NEVER use a car seat/booster seat in a seating location with an airbag.
Always check that the car seat/booster seat is securely installed. A locking clip may be necessary. Read the vehicle owner’s manual for information on other belt accessories that may be required.
Do not use a car seat/booster seat more than six years old.
Do not use a car seat/booster seat that has ever been involved in a crash.
Do not use a car seat/booster seat missing the manufacturer’s label showing the name of the manufacturer, model number and date of manufacture.
Booster seats are recommended for children over 30 lbs., but consider height and maturity level as well. Some children are mature enough to handle a booster seat, while others are too immature to keep the shoulder belt properly positioned.
Set a good example and make sure the entire family buckles up.
NEVER buy a used car seat or booster seat.
Living Room
Choose a play yard with mesh holes no larger than 1/4”. Slats on a wooden play yard should be no more than 2 3/8” apart.
The play yard, including side rails, should be fully erected prior to use.
Do not add padding or other objects inside the play yard, which permit your child to climb out.
Make sure all latching features of the play yard are in place and secure.
Always provide the supervision necessary for the continued safety of your child. When used for playing, never leave child unattended.
Infants can suffocate in gaps between a mattress too small or too thick and the sides, or on soft bedding.
NEVER leave a baby in a mesh play yard if its drop side is in the down position. The baby could roll into the space between the pad and loose mesh, causing suffocation.
NEVER place the play yard near windows, draperies, blinds, or wall mounted decorative accessories with long cords.
Never suspend strings over play yards or attach strings to toys.
Check vinyl or fabric-covered rails frequently for holes and tears.
Don’t tie items across the top of the play yard as they can entangle a baby and cause strangulation.
Some gates are not appropriate for use at the top of a stairway. Check the product use recommendations.
Gates with expanding pressure bars should be installed with the adjustment bar or lock side away from the baby.
Anchor the gate securely in the doorway or stairway.
Always close the gate when you leave the room and never leave the baby unattended.
Many new “accordion style” gates meet the current performance standards. Older models could be hazardous.
Never leave your baby alone in the activity center.
Keep activity centers away from stairs, doors, windows, plants, lamps, the TV, fireplace, heaters, or coffee table.
Keep curtains and blind cords out of reach.
Bouncer seats are for in-home use only. Many have bouncing action, soothing vibration, and/or toys for play.
NEVER place infant bouncer seats on beds, sofas, or other soft surfaces. Infant seats or bouncer can roll over and suffocate a baby.
ALWAYS secure the restraining straps on bouncers and never leave a baby in the seat when straps are loose or undone.
Baby’s movements can slide an infant seat, so be sure not to place the infant seat near the edges of counter tops, tables or other elevated surfaces.
Select a walker with a wheelbase longer and wider than the frame of the walker itself to ensure stability.
Coil springs and hinges of walker must have protective coverings.
NEVER leave a baby unattended in a walker.
Only use a walker on smooth surfaces.
Remove all throw rugs when a baby is in walker.
Keep doors closed.
Keep child away from appliances or items that could cause injury such as ironing boards ranges, radiators, and fireplaces.
NEVER carry walker with a child in it.
Electrical outlets, appliances and cords can be baby safety hazards. Be sure to cover unused electrical outlets with safety caps and replace broken or missing receptacle cover plates.
Kitchen
High chairs should have a waist strap and crotch strap.
Some high chairs recline for use with younger infants or are height adjustable.
Use waist and crotch restraint every time you place a child in the high chair to prevent falls from standing up or sliding out.
Never depend on the feeding tray to restrain or protect baby. Instead, secure restraint straps.
Prevent tip over – Keep high chair far enough from the table, counter or wall so the baby can’t push off from it.
Secure the safety latch on a folding high chair each time you unfold it for use.
NEVER leave a baby unattended.
Never use a bouncer seat on an elevated surface like countertops.
Portable hook-on chairs should have a strong clamp-on device, which keeps the seat level, making it impossible for a baby to kick off.
Do not use on portable hook-on chairs on glass or loose tabletop, or on a table with a single pedestal, leaf, tablecloth or placemat.
Check stability and sturdiness of table before seating a child.
Do not place an ordinary chair under the portable hook-on chair.
Always secure the waist and crotch straps around baby.
Before removing baby from chair, make sure baby’s legs are free from chair straps.
When feeding baby, first test all warmed foods for a comfortable eating temperature before serving.
Heating baby food in a microwave is convenient, but be sure to check the temperature very carefully. Use microwave-safe dishes and stir food from the center out after heating to ensure the temperature is even.
When baby begins to eat solid foods, do not give the child small, hard foods. Check with your pediatrician for a list of appropriate foods.
Baby should always eat and drink in an upright position.
Bleaches, oven and drain cleaners should always be kept out of baby’s reach. Childproof safety locks for cabinets can be helpful.
Keep the number of the poison control center near your phone so you can call for emergency first-aid advice.
Immediately after circumcision, the tip of the penis is usually covered with gauze coated with petroleum jelly to keep the wound from sticking to the diaper. Gently wipe the tip clean with warm water after a diaper change, then apply petroleum jelly to the tip so it doesn't stick to the diaper. Redness or irritation of the penis should heal within a few days, but if the redness or swelling increases or if pus-filled blisters form, infection may be present and you should call your baby's doctor immediately.
Umbilical cord care in newborns is also important. Some doctors suggest swabbing the area with rubbing alcohol until the cord stump dries up and falls off, usually in 10 days to 3 weeks, but others recommend leaving the area alone. Talk to your child's doctor to see what he or she prefers.
The infant's navel area shouldn't be submerged in water until the cord stump falls off and the area is healed. Until it falls off, the cord stump will change color from yellow to brown or black — this is normal. Consult your doctor if the navel area becomes reddened or if a foul odor or discharge develops.
Rock A Bye Baby Of West Monroe or Rockabyebaby West-monroe
Baby Safety Month 
