Here are some key points to remember to help keep your baby healthy and safe.
Remember, newborns, preemies, and young infants are very susceptible to illness.
Be sure to: * Wash your hands frequently when caring for your little one (especially after going to the bathroom and changing diapers).
* Make sure all visitors wash their hands prior to touching your baby.
* Make sure visitors are not ill when coming to visit.
* Avoid large crowds for at least 1 month after your baby is born.
Help protected your baby from accidental injury.
Be sure to: * Always place your baby in an appropriate car seat when traveling in any vehicle.
* Never leave baby unattended (especially in the car, bathtub, changing table, or on any other elevated area).
* Always keep one hand on your baby when in the bathtub, on the changing table, or on any elevated area.
* Never shake your baby.
Shaken baby syndrome can cause blindness, brain damage or death.
* Place baby on his/her back to sleep to reduce the likelihood of sudden infant death syndrome.
* Always test the temperature of the water before giving a bath.
* Use a non-skid mat in the bathtub.
* Never prop a bottle when feeding your baby.
* Never place pacifier on a string around baby's neck.
* Check pacifiers and nipples for holes and tears frequently.
* Always test the temperature of breast milk/formula prior to feeding your baby.
* Never leave pets or young children alone with your baby.
* Ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly.
* Do not carry infant when you are cooking or holding hot drinks.
* Make sure that your baby's toys are unbreakable.
* Remove toys from the crib when your baby is sleeping or unattended.
* Never give an infant under 1 year of age honey.
Honey has been associated with botulism.