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Birth to Three Months
Putting Your Baby to Sleep
Healthy babies should always be placed to sleep on their backs, even for
naps. If your baby has a medical problem, discuss his sleep position with your
physician. Also:
- Never place pillows, stuffed animals, or blankets in the crib. Consider using a
sleeper instead of a blanket.
- Your baby's mattress should be firm and should fit snugly against the sides and
end panels of the crib.
- Don't put your baby to sleep on the sofa, a waterbed, or on fluffy objects such
as pillows or comforters.
Driving with Baby: car seats
A car seat placed in the back seat is the safest place for your baby. No
matter how short the drive, never have your baby out of the car seat or in the
front seat while the car is moving.
- Until your baby is 12 months old and over 20 pounds, the car seat should face
the rear.
- Follow the car seat instructions and your car's owner's manual carefully when
installing the car seat.
- When properly installed, a safety seat should not move when you pull on it or
push it from side to side.
- If you are using a second hand or hand-me-down car seat check to make sure that
it has not been recalled.
The National Highway Transportation Association provides information on child
safety seats, including recalls and information on proper installation at:
www.nhtsa.gov.
Making Your Baby's Crib and Nursery Safe
Thanks to rigid regulations and the efforts of child safety advocacy groups,
safety hazards with new cribs have been addressed. It is still wise to follow
these guidelines to assure the safety of your new crib. In addition, remember to
check the safety of the crib at your sitter, nursery, or if you are staying in a
hotel.
- Make sure that all slats are present and firmly in place.
- Slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart.
- The cornerstones should not be higher than the end panels.
- End panels should be solid with no patterns or designs cut out.
In The Nursery
- Secure all floor coverings firmly to the floor, to prevent falls while holding
your baby.
- Move the crib away from windows, drapes, and blind cords.
- Make sure that all toys hanging from above the crib are securely fastened and
cannot be reached by your baby.
- Never hang any stringed object, like a laundry bag, from the crib
- Add nightlights for night time feedings and diaper changes.
- To prevent falls, baby's changing table should have rails and a safety strap.
Never leave your baby alone on a changing table. If the phone should ring or
there is a knock on the door, finish changing your child and then answer the
phone or door.
- Decrease the setting on your water heater to 120ยบ F and always test bath water
before washing your baby.
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