Basic Safety Foundations
When it comes to taking care of your baby, there are a few basic safety foundations that every parent and caregiver should be familiar with.
Please take a moment to review the information below.
Safety Foundations
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Sleep Environment
Ensure your child’s sleep surface is free of any suffocation hazards, such as soft bedding or toys.
Ensure your crib is in good working order. The sides of the crib should be high enough to safeguard a standing infant.
Typically, it is recommended to set the mattress on the lowest setting, but this is especially important once your baby has begun to sit or crawl.
Mattress should be firm and the crib should be completely empty.
Home Environment
Dressers, wardrobes, chests of drawers, bookcases etc. should be secured to walls so they can’t be toppled on children.
Put locks and gates at stairways and other unsafe areas. Consider installing locks on cabinet doors that you don’t want your little one opening.
Ensure any low cupboards/storage areas do not contain items that can be choked on or ingested.
Be sure sharp items inventoried and stored safely away.
Electric plugs and table/furniture corners blocked.
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Fortunately, the incidence of SIDS in the U.S. has fallen from 130 cases per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 38 per 100,000 live births in 2016.
SIDS is rare, but parents can be aware of the following recommendations to ensure your little one’s safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics and Health Canada provide these guidelines to support the safety of your baby:
Always place your baby on their back to sleep. Once your baby learns to roll over on their own, it is ok to allow them to sleep on their stomach, but do not place them in the crib this way.
Sleep surfaces should be firm.
If you are sleeping with your infant in the same room, do not share a bed.
Keep the sleep area clear of soft objects and bedding.
Avoid exposure to smoke or use of alcohol or drugs even after birth.
Avoid overheating the room or overdressing the baby.
Supervise tummy time while the infant is awake to support development.
Swaddling with arms in should be discontinued by 8 weeks old or at first signs of rolling, whichever comes first
Use a baby monitor.
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