Your baby is born tough. If you notice how the hospital nurses treat your newborn, you will realise that they are not as delicate as you think. But this does not mean you can compromise on safety—your baby is still young and vulnerable, and his overall well-being and security remain your responsibility. Being aware and vigilant of the following areas will help provide that little extra ease of mind when it comes to protecting your newborn from harm or other mishaps.
Handling a newborn
- When handling a newborn, always support your baby’s neck.
- Hold your baby in a secure position before feeding and burping to avoid cutting off their air supply.
- When bathing your baby, make sure the water is not too hot as their skin is sensitive and may be more susceptible to scalds.
- Never leave your baby unattended in the bathtub. Babies can drown in seconds.
- Use a bulb syringe or nose cleaner to clear mucus. Never use a cotton swab or your fingers.
- Never shake your baby. This can cause serious brain damage or blindness.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
It is recommended that infants should be placed on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS, also known as crib death. SIDS is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby under 1 year old. Some things you can do to make your baby safer:
- Place your baby on his back to sleep, even for naps, to prevent any form of suffocation.
- Choose a well-fitted, firm mattress. Soft mattress raises the risk of SIDS.
- Remove soft toys and loose bedding from your baby’s sleep area in case they bury their head into it.
- Keep all blankets and coverings away from your baby’s mouth and nose.
- Do not smoke around your baby.
- Over-dressing your baby can overheat his body temperature. Keep your baby away from direct sunlight.
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Car Safety
- In Singapore, any child below the height of 1.35m is required to have suitable child restraint, with a seat belt, by law.
- Install the car seat in a rearward facing position to offer maximum protection.
- Choose a car seat suitable for your baby’s height and weight—not something that can last longer. Babies’ neck muscles are not fully developed so an improper restraint can cause their chin to fall on their chests, cutting off their air supply.
- Never ever leave your baby in an empty car, even for a minute.
Fall Precaution
- Check your infant carrier is secured before placing baby inside.
- Never leave your baby unattended on a bed, sofa or any raised platform.
- Always keep a close eye on your baby if he is learning to turn over, crawl, stand and walk.
- Secure your baby with a safety harness if he is sitting in a high chair or shopping trolley.
Preventing Accidents
- Keep sharp objects, medication and hazardous chocking items out of your baby’s reach.
- Avoid leaving your baby alone with an older sibling or pet.
- Put away strings and cords from curtain, toys and any other objects. They may find its way around your baby’s neck and cause strangulation.
- Consider learning CPR. In the event of an emergency, CPR can save your baby’s life before professional medical attention can be administered.
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