Well Check-Up / 1 Month
CAR SEATS
Your baby should always ride in a properly-installed, rear-facing car seat. The safest place for infants is in the middle back seat of a car. Never place a rear-facing seat on the passenger side of the front seat where there is an airbag! Remember that you and everyone else in the family should also wear their seatbelts when riding in a car—you are a team, and you need to protect all the members of the team!
FALLS
Never leave your baby alone on any surface above floor level, such as a bed, couch, or changing table. Even at this age, babies can move their legs or kick enough to flip over or fall off.
FIRES/BURNS
Be sure there are functioning smoke alarms in your home. Check the batteries periodically and form an escape plan for how to get everyone out if there were a fire. Never hold your baby while drinking or carrying hot liquids or while cooking by a hot stove or oven. Always protect your baby from the sun with loose-fitting layers of clothing, hats with brims and, after six months of age, with sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Try to keep baby out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, when the sun’s rays are strongest.
BATHS
Be sure your hot water heater is set no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and always test the water temperature before placing your baby in the water. If you bathe your baby in a sink or baby tub, let her sit or lie on a washcloth to prevent slipping,and hold her under the arms. Never leave baby unattended even for a short time in or near water.
SIDS (SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME)
There are several things parents can do to decrease the risk of SIDS. The safest way for your baby to sleep is on her back on a firm, flat surface. Playing on her tummy is fine, but if she falls asleep, flip her over to her back. Also do not put your baby to sleep on any soft surface (including a couch or pillow). Sleeping surfaces for babies should be firm and flat. Car seats, swings, and infant rockers are not safe sleeping locations. Having babies sleep in the same room (but different bed) as their parents and using a ceiling fan in the room can help decrease the chance of SIDS as well. Finally, to decrease the risk of SIDS (and for many other reasons) babies should not be exposed to second-hand cigarette smoke.
CHOKING/SUFFOCATION PREVENTION
From the very beginning, it is important to keep all small objects that your baby could choke on out of her crib and off the floor, including small toy parts, coins, etc. Never leave plastic bags or wrappings or papers where your baby might reach them. If you use baby powder, be sure to shake it on your hand away from your baby’s face first, then apply it, so that your baby does not inhale it. Keep your baby away from cords or strings that she might get caught in, including drapery and blind cords. Do not use crib bumpers, and make sure that anything suspended above the crib (such as a colorful mobile) is securely fastened and not a risk for your baby.