Having a child means added responsibilities. And one of those responsibilities would be to make sure that you create a safe environment for your little one.
Here's a handy checklist to help you keep your home safe for your newborn!
Make sure to have any work on your home completed before you have the baby
If you're planning to have work done in your home, then it's best to make sure that all the work is completed months before your due date. That way, there's no paint or any chemical smells in your home that can potentially harm your little one.
If you're using a water heater, make sure it's well below 120 degrees F
Make sure to bathe your baby in warm, but not exceedingly hot water. Anything above 120 degrees can cause harm to your baby, so make sure that the water temperature is well below that.
If you're boiling water for bathing, then you can use a thermometer to check the temperature before giving your baby a bath.
Keep emergency numbers handy
If you have a smartphone, make sure to set the number for your child's physician, the hospital, poison control, and other important numbers on your speed dial. That way, if there's any emergency, you won't waste any time trying to scroll through your contacts.
Place non-slip pads under rugs or carpets
Rugs and carpets in your home should be secure, that way you won't accidentally slip on them while you're carrying your little one with you.
An infant CPR class is important
Being able to know basic first aid for infants, and how to perform CPR is very important. That way, you're always prepared no matter what happens.
Always have a first-aid kit handy
Keep a first-aid kit handy in your car, as well as in your home. Here's a list of the things that your kit needs:
- A first-aid guide
- Infant thermometer
- Rubbing alcohol
- Petroleum jelly
- Soap
- Antibiotic ointment
- Cotton swabs
- Tweezers
- Burn gel
- A hot and cold pack
- Bandages
- Gauze pads
- Adhesive bandage tape
- Nasal aspirator
- Any important baby medicine, such as infant acetaminophen, or whatever your pediatrician recommends
If you're traveling, you also need to carry a basic first aid kit with medicine, antiseptic, soap, a thermometer and rubbing alcohol.
Source: newparent.com
READ: “My kid travels home alone from school”: Safety tips for kids and parents to know