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September is Baby Safety Month
Whether you’re a new parent or a veteran, there’s always things to learn about regarding baby safety. Since September is Baby Safety Month, let’s talk about what you know and what you may not know.
When it’s time to feed, we recommend not microwaving your baby’s bottle. Microwaves don’t disperse heat evenly, which can lead to hot spots in the formula. Even a short amount of time can burn the inside of your baby’s’ mouth. The better alternative is to run the bottle under warm tap water or immerse it in a bowl of warm water. Don’t forget to test the formula on your wrist - if it’s too warm for you, it’s way too hot for them.
It’s peaceful to see your baby sleeping in their car seat. So peaceful that many parents don’t take them out once they’re done driving. This is a major no-no! A baby’s head can fall forward (chin touching neck) which could hinder a baby’s airflow. As difficult as it may be, take your baby out of the car seat and place him or her in the safety of a crib.
All too often you’ll see a baby bundled up when it’s cold outside. While babies certainly look adorable in their winter hats and booties, it is possible to overdress them. Little ones that are less than one year old can have difficulty regulating their body temperature. If overdressed, this can lead to rapid dehydration that mom and dad may not notice. Keep it simple and dress your baby in the same number of layers you would wear.
Is your baby moving from formula to solid foods? Make sure to introduce him or her to new solids, one at a time. You’ll also want to put two to three days in between each new solid. This allows time for an allergic reaction to appear such as a rash, vomiting, or diarrhea. In the event your baby does display signs of a reaction, you’ll be able to more easily pinpoint the food that caused it by sticking to that two to three-day gap in solid feeding.
One of the more recent baby scares you may hear about is forgetting your little one in the car. You can make it harder to forget your baby by keeping items you know you will need in the back seat. Moms can place their purse or cell phone in the back and dads can put their wallet or gym bag there as well. Since you’re already in the mindset of needing your purse or needing to get your dirty gym clothes – put these items by baby. Forgetting that precious little person will never be a problem!
At SIHF Healthcare, our board-certified pediatricians and pediatric nurse practitioners will help you make sure your baby is always safe. You can rely on our team of medical experts to assist with questions you have and how to educate yourself, so you fully understand everything about your baby’s health. To make an appointment with one of our pediatric providers, visit us at www.sihf.org.