Well Check-Up / 1 Month
CAR SEATS
Your baby should always ride in a rear-facing car seat. The safest place for infants 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! Make sure the seat is properly installed and the straps are snug.
SAFE SLEEP
Babies should always be put to sleep alone on their backs on firm, flat surfaces that are made for babies, such as cribs, bassinettes, or pack and plays. Babies should never sleep on an adult mattress or in an adult bed with or without anyone else in the bed. Playing on their tummies is fine when awake, but if they fall asleep, they should be flipped over to sleep on their backs.
Do not ever put your baby to sleep on any soft surface (including a couch or pillow or Boppy). Do not put anything in the sleep space other than a pacifier without a cord if baby uses one.
Although car seats are the safest place for babies whenever they are riding in a car, they are not safe sleep surfaces when babies are not in the car. Swings, and infant bouncers or 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.
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.