Keeping Your Baby Safe

Here are some ways to keep your baby safe:

• Never shake your baby, either in anger or in play. Shaking a baby can cause brain injury or death.
• If you smoke, quit! If you can’t quit, smoke outside, away from the baby. Second-hand smoke can cause a number
  
  of childhood illnesses or make them worse. These include asthma, ear infections and sinus infections.
• Put your baby to sleep on her back. If your baby has a health problem, your doctor may tell you to put her in another position. Otherwise, always put your baby to sleep on her back. Make sure her crib has a firm, flat mattress.
• Make sure your baby’s crib is sturdy and safe. There should be no loose or missing hardware. Babies can be hurt in an unsafe crib.
• Always use the safety straps in strollers, infant seats, changing tables and baby swings.
• Use an infant car-safety seat according to the directions.
• Never leave your baby alone in a car. Don’t leave her alone for even a few minutes.
• Don’t use necklaces to hold a baby’s pacifier. A necklace or string could wrap around her neck and choke her.
• Don’t leave small children or animals alone in a room with your baby. Even friendly, well-trained children and animals could accidentally hurt a baby.
• Install smoke detectors on each floor of your home. Put them near sleeping areas. Change the batteries as often as the directions say to.

This content has been provided freely by CMC. Click Healthy Start, Grow Smart—Your Two-Month-Old for your free download. Click GreatDad Free Ebook to download the entire Health Start, Grow Smart series.

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