The Child Friendly Home
As you prepare to bring your newborn home, you may think there is
nothing much to be concerned about regarding the safety of the babies
environment. While on the surface this may be so, if you look a bit
further into potential circumstances, a realization may become apparent
to you.
 A baby’s immediate environment is your arms. There is a proper way to
hold a baby as it sleeps and feeds. Don’t be embarrassed to ask the
doctor or nurses at the hospital for a demonstration of the proper
technique. Babies have little way of conveying discomfort besides the
cries you do not want to hear. The other reason is as you breastfeed or
bottle feed, holding the baby too low can cause fluid to back up into
the ear canal and cause pain and, at times, infection.
The next environment to secure is the baby’s sleeping quarters. Shall
it be a bassinet or small crib? Either is fine, but best to be designed
in proximity of age. The less bedding used the better. Babies have
natural sleep positions and, though there has been much debate with the
onset of SIDS, there is still controversy as to exactly what its
contributors are. Pajamas with feet are usually adequate to keep baby
nice and warm. A small receiving blanket is fine to cover with, but do
not tuck it in. Laying baby on its stomach is recommended but, again,
consult with your doctor before you leave the hospital. He will be happy
to fill you in on safe procedures, and even happier that you are asking!
As baby grows, a crib will become necessary. Though family and friends
mean well, when they volunteer to donate one please consider whether or
not it is up to standards deemed by the proper authorities. Old lead
paint base is not acceptable, and some older model cribs have slats too
far apart. These pose a threat to a little arm or leg.
Crib bedding sets usually come with bumper pads to soften baby’s
movements. If you choose to use them, check frequently to be sure they
are in place and secure. As you continue to assess babies bedding,
consider what the infant could become tangled up in, and if so, how easy
will it be to become free. As baby grows, these concerns will lessen as
others take their place.
 Another tempting practice as parents grow tired of too little sleep
is to feed baby by propping up a bottle as baby lies in its bed, or
allowing baby to lay in its bed and hold its own bottle. This should
never be considered okay. The potential to choke is higher than you
might expect, and if baby has teeth coming in, decay will begin at a
very early age as the fluid settles in and around the gums. Babies need
assistance in burping to prevent air on the tummy and, consequently, a
tummy ache.
This is just the beginning of caring for your little bundle of joy!
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