How to Create a Safe Sleep Environment for your Baby

Creating a safe sleep environment for your new little one is important for their health and safety.  By ensuring a safe sleep environment, you are helping to protect your infant from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and SUID (Sudden Unexplained Infant Death).  Additionally, introducing good sleeping habits from the beginning will promote long-term healthy sleep habits as your little one grows.  The following tips will help you create the safest sleeping environment for your little one so you can rest easy knowing they are as safe as possible. 

Tip 1:  Back is Best

Always place your baby on their back to sleep!  When this strategy was introduced in the 1980s, it reduced the SIDS rate by 53%!  A simple strategy that makes a big difference!  As your baby gets older and begins to roll over, don’t worry about waking them to put them on their back.

Tip 2:  To Swaddle or not to Swaddle

Every baby is different, but we highly recommend finding a swaddle that you and your baby love and use it religiously every night!  The swaddle will provide comfort by mimicking that snug womb feeling and helps reduce the startle reflex that can wake a sleeping baby.  It also eliminates the need for loose blankets and is the safest way to keep your baby warm at night. 

Tip 3:  Sleep Environment

Co-sleeping, room sharing, bed sharing-there are so many names for places that babies sleep.  However, we know the safest place for baby is in their own bed (firm, flat surface and a well-fitted sheet over the mattress) in your room.  This is often referred to as room sharing. Sharing your room, but not your bed, with your baby is helpful for many reasons, number one being those frequent nighttime feedings.  Even the American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes the importance of room sharing for AT LEAST the first 6 months, if not the first full year of your baby’s life.  Also, make sure there is NOTHING else in the bed with your baby.  No loose blankets, stuffed animals, burp cloths, etc. Any of these items can cover the baby’s face making it difficult for the baby to breathe.

If you have additional questions about caring for your newborn, call or schedule a visit today.

Six Reasons Kids End Up in ER

Injury is the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States, but the good news is that many of these injuries can be prevented.  Here are six common reasons why kids end up in the Emergency Room.

#1:  Ingesting Button Batteries

One of the most dangerous foreign bodies a child can ingest is a button battery. Not only is this a choking hazard but, if swallowed, it can erode through the esophagus and cause life threatening bleeding.

#2:  Dog Bites

Do not let your child pet dogs they are unfamiliar with.  It is also important to teach your child to never put their face in an animal’s face.  All dogs are still animals and can be unpredictable. 

#3:  Pool Accidents

Never allow any age child to be unsupervised around a pool even if they know how to swim!  Also, never assume another adult is paying attention at pool parties. If you are planning a pool party it is a great idea to hire a lifeguard.

#4:  Riding Without a Helmet

 When using bikes, scooters, rollerblades or any toys that are a falling hazard, a child should always wear a helmet.  Remember they are watching you too.  Teach them that helmets are cool and save lives. You only have one brain!

#5:  Eating Candy/Snacks Without Asking

Never send your child to another house without teaching them to ask before eating any candy/snacks they find.  Edible marijuana ingestions in the pediatric population have increased 19% in the last five years.  The majority of edibles look like candy that kids are used to eating.  What may be safe for adults can be dangerous and even life threatening for children!

#6 Firearms

Firearms are extremely dangerous. You should teach children about firearms and never to touch them. Curiosity is one reason children play with guns so having a discussion about how dangerous firearms are is very important.  If you own a gun, it should be in a gun safe.  If your gun safe has a code, make sure to use a code your child won’t be able to guess. 

By taking these preventative measures, parents can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and protect your children from harm. If you have any questions about safety or other health concerns, Saving Grace is here for you. Together we can keep our children safe and thriving.