Newborn safety

 Safety looks differently at all stages, but this is also the most important thing if nothing else. This list is probably not all inclusive, however with my experience and nursing background, this is what I think is important to know for all parents.

1. No Co-Sleeping. JUST don't do it. No matter how tired you are. This is the #1 reason that increases risk of SIDS. And it's 100% preventable with no co-sleeping. There are other unknown causes and rare, but this is the one way to prevent this. I know it's tiring, all those 2am, 4am feeds. I know it's easier just to keep them on the bed. I know it's just easier to pass out with them, but DON'T TAKE THIS RISK. 

There's also so many bassinets now available to make feeding and putting them back to sleep easier. They even make formula premixed bottles for those who choose formula. 

uiuwoo Bedside Crib for Baby, 3 in 1 Bassinet with Large Curvature Cradle, Adjustable and Movable Baby Bed with Mosquito Nets, Sleeper Safety Certificattion Guarantee

PopYum 9 oz Orange Anti-Colic Formula Making/Mixing/Dispenser Baby Bottles, 3-Pack (with #2 Nipples)

2. Crib safety. No fluff. It looks cute but unsafe. No liners, blankets, pillows, plush. They don't need it even if it looks cute. Tight matress sheets. If you're worried baby will be cold there are sleepers to keep them warm. 

2 way zipper a must! Zip from the bottom for those 2am cold diaper changes. I've never found long sleeves needed. A long sleeve onesie is enough, baby shouldn't be over bundled either. 

DREAMLAND BABY Sleep Sack | Baby: 6-12 Months | Gently Weighted Sleep Sacks | 100% Natural Cotton | 2-Way Zipper | Machine Washable | Newborn/Infant Swaddle Transition | Swaddle Sleeping Bag

3. Newborns aren't suppose to know how to turn yet. Although you always hear some do. So if you are ever leaving their side, even for 5 seconds, just place them where they cannot roll off. A mat on the floor is just fine, or the bed or the couch with a blanket rolled as a barrier. Even a baby swing. Ahhhhh the good ole mamaroo. It goes in all directions and has some white noise with a 5 point harness. They have a great warranty and if parts break they send it right to you. The seat zips out to wash for any blow outs. 

4moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion Baby Swing, Bluetooth Enabled with 5 Unique Motions, Grey

4. Carseat safety. NEVER place puffy jackets on any baby. Actually us adults aren't suppose to wear them and drive either. Babies and toddlers will slip right out of car seats. Instead, wear layers of warm onesies and sleep and play and bucket the baby in, then add layers of blankets and tick them in. They like the bundle anyhow. 

NEVER buy those baby headbands to keep the baby head upright. Just imagine what can happen if you do get in an accident and the head is meant to move forward, and now the strap prevents the body from protecting itself. (I know! why would they sell them!) 

5. NEVER let your baby sleep in a carseat. I know when they sleep you don't want to wake them. But carseat are not ideal for sleep. Their little heads and neck are closed up and not opening their airway. (this one surprised me when I learned considering so many folks do this).