Having a baby is a very exciting time for parents, and one important thing that should not be overlooked when preparing for your newborn is safety.
Be Safe, Baby! A Class for Expectant Parents
Beginning in October, the Madison Area Safe Kids Coalition with support from Kohl’s Cares will offer a free class for expectant parents to learn the safety essentials for newborns.
Register now at uwhealthkids.org/besafebaby
Classes are free and will be offered at various UW Health clinics in Madison and surrounding communities, and feature car seat education, safe sleep, and the period of purple crying.
Car Seats
Choosing the best car seat for you and your child can be confusing and complicated. Some things to consider when choosing a car seat for your new born:
Will the car seat fit your newborn?
Car seats have varying weight and height limits. Correct fit of your newborn in his or her seat is extremely important. Once you find a seat you like, check the labels and owner’s manual to make sure it is appropriate, and that you understand how your newborn should fit in it.
Will the car seat fit your vehicle?
Not every child restraint will fit in every vehicle, or in every rear seating position. Before going car seat shopping, take the time to read your vehicle owner’s manual to learn requirements and limitations for car seat installation in your vehicle.
Can you use the child restraint correctly?
There are a wide variety of child seats for newborns and it is important to choose one that your family will be able to use correctly each and every time. Some things to check out:
- How does the harness buckle?
- How does the harness tighten and loosen?
- If the car seat has a handle, where must the handle be placed when in the vehicle?
Safe Sleep
Another important aspect to child safety is creating a safe sleep environment for your newborn.
Place your baby in a crib that meets safety standards. Find out more about recalled cribs please at recalls.gov
Place your baby on his or her back to sleep.
Firm mattress and tight fitting sheet should be the only thing in the crib with your baby. Soft bedding can suffocate a baby, blocking the airway during sleep.
Period of Purple Crying
The Period of Purple Crying is a way to help parents understand a developmental phase every infant goes through.
PURPLE refers to:
P – Peak of crying. Babies may cry most at two months of age, then less between three to five months.
U – Unexpected. Crying can come and go with no reason.
R- Resists Soothing. No matter how hard you try, your baby may not stop crying.
P – Pain-like Face. Babies may look like they are in pain, even when they’re not.
L – Long Lasting. Periods of crying can last as long as five hours or more.
E – Evening. Babies may cry more in the late afternoon and evening.
It is a stage in which babies cry more than any other time. And it can be stressful for parents.
The Be Safe, Baby class will cover each of these topics and provide parents with resources to help them create a healthy and safe environment for their newborn.
Comments Leave a Comment