There's been hundreds of reported incidents (some fatal) that could have been avoided with these safety tips

My friends and I are constantly sharing tips and tricks with regards to parenting. If we learn something new we want to spread the word to the rest of the Mummy world. Particularly if it is something that makes life easier.
 
Safety tips and advice are incredibly important. Advice in this department is more crucial than anything else. Sometimes these tips and tricks are not so well received by our mums, aunts and people who may be of a different generation. You will hear the term “back in our day” mentioned time and time again, not to mention the fact that you “turned out just fine”. But in reality we are always learning. As technology improves and more research is done we are now in a better position than ever to try protect our children.My friends and I are constantly sharing tips and tricks with regards to parenting. If we learn something new we want to spread the word to the rest of the Mummy world. Particularly if it is something that makes life easier.
 
Here are some of the practical safety tips I have picked up along the way. It might just help someone else.
  • It is not recommended to put a coat on your baby when they are going in to the car seat. Lighter rain jackets and jumpers are fine but larger coats leave a space between your baby and the straps of the car seat ultimately leaving your child less protected and more vulnerable if there were to be an accident.
  • Grapes should always be cut in half before giving them to a baby or toddler. The shape of a grape poses a huge choking hazard. It is essential that the grapes are cut horizontally and not vertically.
  • Avoid all cot bumpers, soft toys and stuffed animals in your baby's cot or crib. Such items pose a risk of suffocation. Blankets should also be of a cellular nature.
  • Always store your medicines in a cupboard up as high as possible. Even with safety catches you can never be too safe in this department. Pay particular attention to where you leave your own medication. Something as simple as a headache tablet could have a disastrous affect on your child.
  • When purchasing a carrier or a sling ensure that your baby is placed in the correct position. Their knees should be higher than their bum making an “M” shape. Holding a baby in an incorrect position can have a negative affect on the physical development of their hips, pelvis and legs. It is also vital that you follow the safety guidelines associated with baby-wearing. For example, baby's head should always be turned to the side and not facing your skin. This is to ensure baby can breathe effectively.
  • Ensure that you are using a safety-approved car seat at all times. It is important that the car seat is suitable for your child's weight and age. It is also essential that the seat is installed correctly. Never allow a baby to travel in a car sitting on a lap.
  • If bottle feeding do not use the microwave to warm it through. Microwaving the bottle can create “hot spots” which can burn your baby's mouth. Instead you can warm the bottle under a warm running water tap, or in a bowl of warm water. 
  • It is not recommended to prop your baby's bottle up and leaving them to drink it unattended. It is also not recommended to give your baby a bottle in bed
Written by Tracey, mummy blogger and staff with www.familyfriendlyhq.ie
Check out her own blog at love-of-living.blogspot.ie

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