5 Parenting Tips Every New Parent Needs to Know

"Congratulations on your new baby. You're going to be a great parent, and it’s a perfect time to implement these five safety tips."

-Jennifer Taylor, Injury Prevention Manager and Safe Kids

Welcome to parenthood! This new exciting yet challenging journey of raising a baby might seem scary, but we know you will do a great job. Get started on the right foot by following the five safety tips outlined below. 

1. Check to make sure your car seat is installed correctly. 

The car seat label will help you make sure it is the right seat for your child’s age, weight, height and level of development. As you take a look at car seat options, select one that is safe for your child. Reputable manufacturers should have a detailed label that includes the manufacturer’s name, contact information and the date of manufacture. Make sure the car seat has not expired. In general, car seats expire between 6 and 10 years from the date of manufacture.

Use and install your car seat according to the directions. Follow the labels on the car seat and read the car seat manual carefully. Visit www.safekids.org to find a Safe Kids coalition for additional help, or use our online Ultimate Car Seat Guide to get help based on your child’s age and weight.

2. Before putting your baby down for a nap or for the night, remember that a firm mattress and fitted sheet are all you need for your baby’s crib. Remove blankets and toys from the crib and use a sleep sack on colder nights.

The safest position is for babies to be on their backs in a crib with no other extraneous items such as pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or crib bumpers. There is an easy acronym to remember, the “ABCs” of sleep: a=alone, b=back, c=crib. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends just a mattress with a fitted sheet.

It’s not safe for babies to sleep in a bed or on a couch or chair because it increases the risk of infant death through suffocation, strangulation, or entrapment. 

3. Place your baby’s crib and other furniture away from windows to avoid falls or strangulation. Your baby is safer without any strings or cords within reach.

Be sure to inspect every crib that your baby uses for safety – those at your home, grandparents’ home, the babysitter’s, and child care center, too.

4. Remember to set your water heater to 120° F to avoid scalds. This will make sure that the water never gets to a point that could injure the baby.

Among young children, scalds caused by hot liquids or steam are the most common types of burn-related injuries. Parents and caregivers can take simple precautions such as adjusting the water heater. 

5. Install a working smoke alarm AND a carbon monoxide alarm on every level of your home and in all sleeping areas.

This is an important tip for not just baby safety, but family safety as well. Make sure you check your smoke alarms at least once a year. Use the beginning of fall and spring as a reminder to check them.