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Newborn Safety Tips for the Crucial First Months

August 8, 2019A thru Z Pediatrics

According to the data provided by the US Department of Health And Human Services, America has the highest mortality rate out of the 27 wealthiest countries in the world. The most common reasons behind infant deaths being:
  • Birth Defects
  • SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
  • Low birth weight or preterm birth
Most parents are not fully prepared to take care of a newborn baby before it arrives. They also lack the knowledge to prevent infant deaths or other medical issues that are commonly seen in babies. Keeping their baby safe and healthy is a priority for most new parents, which is why it’s important to keep these safety tips and warning signs in mind while taking care of your little one:

Preventing injuries:

One of the most common causes of death among children after the first year of birth is injuries. The majority of these injuries aren’t caused by bad luck or chance, but are predictable and preventable. Babies are, by nature, curious, active, and excitable. This puts them at a greater risk of injuries than a person at any other age. As a parent, you need to make sure you’ve taken the proper precautions to reduce the risk of injury, such as baby-proofing the house, keeping dangerous objects away from their reach, poison proofing the house, and having proper first aid knowledge in case of an accident.

Keep the baby safe in the car:

Car safety for babies is paramount. Every year, there are reports of injuries to babies due to a lack of proper car safety. Make sure you have harnessed the baby facing towards the rear in an approved child restraint. Also, make sure you never leave the baby unattended in the car even for a minute. Keep the temperature of the car suitable during different times of the year to prevent overheating and avoid long trips in the car.

Ensure safe sleep:

Sleep-related deaths such as SIDS continue to be the main cause of death among babies aged 1 month to 1 year. While there is no explanation for SIDS, there are certain preventive care methods that can reduce the risks associated with these sleep-related deaths. These include:
  • Ensure your baby sleeps in a safe place which meets the necessary safety standards.
  • Make sure the baby sleeps on its back to avoid accidental suffocation
  • Avoid keeping fluffy stuff in the baby’s crib such as heavy covers and pillows.
  • The American Academy of Pediatricsrecommends to reduce the risk of SIDS, keep your baby’s crib in the same room but don’t let the baby sleep in your bed.
  • Don’t over-dress your baby and have sufficient ventilation in the crib to avoid overheating.

Get Proper Care For Your Newborn:

Getting proper and timely medical care is also extremely important for the health of your newborn. At A Thru Z Pediatrics in San Antonio, Texas, we offer the best pediatric care for the health and well-being of your little one. Our convenient services include pediatric clinic for sick visits, pediatric urgent care, physicals, and pediatric asthma treatment for newborns as well as toddlers, Pre-teens, and adolescents. Get in touch with our expert pediatrics team today!

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have concerns about your child's health, call your A thru Z Pediatrics office.