Out of the 27 wealthiest nations in the world, America has the highest death rate, according to data by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Birth defects and low birth weight or premature birth; SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome); are the most frequent causes of newborn deaths.
Most parents lack the expertise necessary to prevent newborn deaths or other prevalent medical problems. This blog will provide a comprehensive guide to keeping your child safe during their early years.
1. Preventing Injuries
After the first year of life, injuries are one of the leading causes of death in children. However, you can prevent most of these injuries. Babies are, by nature, curious and active. This puts them at a greater risk of injuries than at any other age. As a parent, you must ensure that you’ve taken all the necessary precautions to lower the risk of injury. These include baby-proofing your home, keeping harmful objects out of the children’s reach, poison-proofing the house, and being knowledgeable about first aid in case of an accident.2. Keeping the Baby Safe in the Car
Maintaining a baby’s safety in the vehicle is essential. There are reports of infant injuries every year because of poor automobile safety. Make sure the baby is buckled in an authorized child safety seat. Never leave the baby alone in the car, not even for a minute. Keep the car temperature suitable during different times of the year to prevent overheating and avoid going on long road trips.3. Ensure Sound Rest
The leading cause of death for infants between the ages of one month and one year is still sleep-related accidents like SIDS. Even though SIDS has no known cause, there are preventative measures that can lower the risks of these sleep-related deaths. Here are a few ways to achieve that:- Ensure your child sleeps in a safe place.
- A baby should always sleep on their back to prevent asphyxia.
- Refrain from placing fluffy items in the baby’s cot, such as pillows and thick coverings.
- The American Academy of Pediatricsadvises keeping your baby’s cot in the same room as yours, but refrain from letting them sleep in your bed to lower the risk of SIDs
- Don’t over-dress your baby and have sufficient ventilation in the crib to avoid overheating.
4. Be Patient with Colic Babies
Are your baby’s never-ending crying spells keeping you awake at night? Your infant may develop colic if the weeping period lasts more than three hours. An infant experiences colic for six to eight weeks, starting in the second or third week of life. It is ineffective to comfort a newborn crying due to colic by changing their diapers, rocking, burping, or feeding them. Swaddle, burp, or massage your colic babies to calm them. Take your baby to the pediatrician if the crying bouts happen too frequently. A competent and informed pediatrician helps in determining the likely medical issues that might be upsetting your infant.