Safety first, baby
Key pointers for your child – and you

Even the smartest, most responsible and well-intentioned first-time moms and dads are prone to beginner pitfalls when it comes to the wellbeing of our babies. We might never admit our blunders or volunteer them for play-date conversation, but we’re all guilty of erring from time to time. These days, there are so many things to worry about, to remember, to avoid, it’s all our sleep-deprived brains can do to keep it straight. Here are a few suggestions to keep baby safe and healthy from the start:

Safe sleeping
Since 1983, the rate of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) has fallen by over 50 percent. Tragically, however, thousands of babies in the U.S. continue to die from SIDS each year. Reduce the risk by positioning your baby face up at naptime and bedtime – and ban fluffy comforters, quilts and toys from the crib.

Home, safe, home
Since babies grow like weeds, it’s smart to childproof your home before they become mobile. Securely attach tall bookcases and cabinets to the wall to prevent tipping from curious toddlers. Stash chemicals and cleaning products on a high shelf far from baby’s reach. Since two-thirds of home fires that kill children occur in homes without a working fire alarm, test your alarms and replace old batteries. If you plan to keep the nursery door closed, install a fire alarm inside the room, and use a baby monitor so that you can hear the alarm sound.

A little TLC
You are helping to raise a bright, well-adjusted child each time you lift your baby from his crib, rock him in your arms, play a game of peek-a-boo or read him a story. It’s true that babies won’t remember what happens to them when they are three months old, nor are they likely to grasp the plot of “The Three Little Pigs,” but research shows that the love and care they receive early on helps instill a sense of safety and wellbeing, the effects of which are far-reaching.

“Me” time
We all want to be the best parents we can be, but being good to your baby means being good to yourself. Give yourself a “time-out” before you become so emotionally overwhelmed or physically exhausted that you do something you’ll regret.

S. Danyelle Knight is an award-winning contributor to OC Family magazine.


New mom management tips
When the first child is born to a family, most women’s worlds turn upside down. Finding time to balance current relationships, household chores and personal needs with a new baby can leave mothers feeling frayed, frazzled and frustrated.

“Having a new baby is a definite rebalancing act. Integrating him into your existing life is a huge challenge,” says Rebecca Levin, LCSW, coordinator for Postpartum Support International.

One of the biggest challenges new mothers face is maintaining their current social life.
   
“Relationships are birthed out of common interests, so it may be difficult for childless friends to understand the time and energy a newborn requires, let alone the limitations you now have,” says postpartum doula Gracie Mirolli.

To foster current friendships, look for commonalities you still share. Talk about what is going on in your life and stay tuned in to your friends’ interests.

Another challenge is finding time for household chores. “Set small goals,” says Levine. “Instead of saying, ‘I’m going to clean the whole house today,’ start with one or two rooms. Or divvy up the work and do different chores throughout the week.”

As postpartum energy returns, consider placing your child in a sling or mei tai while doing light housework to boost bonding time and get a good workout. Or combine fitness, friendships and infant time by participating in baby-and-buggy-type community exercise programs, such as Stroller Strides.

Incorporating activities is, in fact, the best way to find time for those things you deem important, including starting a home-based business or getting an online degree. But whatever you do, be patient.

“The baby dictates so much of the mother’s time at the beginning. The best thing she can do is rest so her energy returns,” Mirolli says. “In time, her baby’s routine will emerge, and life will become more predictable.”
 
Denise Yearian is a freelance contributor.


Get baby’s groove on!
When your nerves are frazzled and you haven’t slept through the night in months, the last thing you want to hear is Barney’s dopey voice on your early morning commute. Imagine: kid-friendly tunes that don’t drive you nuts. These music selections will have the whole family boppin’ along:

• Infectious: “Sing-A-Longs & Lullabies for the Film Curious George,” by Jack Johnson
• Groovy: “House Party,” by Dan Zanes
• Witty: “Snack Time,” by Barenaked Ladies
• Dad’s fave: “It’s a Bam Bam Diddly,” by Father Goose
• Mom’s fave: “Fascinating Creatures,” by Frances England