When you become a parent for the first time, it’s as if the world suddenly becomes a terrifying place. In one moment, everything is normal. But when you see that line on a pregnancy test, it’s as if the world around you changes.
So, what do you do to protect your children from this increasingly scary world?
Making sure your home is safe is a priority.
Well, here are five safety tips for first-time parents to get you started and set your mind at ease.
1. Baby-Proof Your Home
This is a basic first line of safety for any parent, but it’s an important one. And in all honesty, there’s not a lot of baby-proofing you need to do when you first bring your bundle of joy home from the hospital. It’s when they start crawling that you have to get to work on the baby-proofing. Round out any sharp edges, give the baby a safe space to crawl and explore, and get locks for the cabinets. You don’t want baby to get into anything that could be harmful.
2. Get Safe Crib Bedding
Much like car seats, trends in crib bedding have changed quite a bit in the past few years. Today, experts recommend that you either avoid bumpers or use mesh ones. Avoid blankets, pillows, and any other items in your baby’s crib. These measures are in an attempt to reduce your child’s chances of SIDS. Also, when it comes to your baby’s mattress, try to avoid anything that’s very plush. You want your baby to be comfortable, but a firm mattress is best.
3. Get a New Car Seat
There are many items we can accept as hand-me-downs. Car seats typically aren’t one of them, and there are two reasons for this. First, a car seat does expire. If you are using an older car seat, flip it over to check the expiration date. The expiration date will vary based on the manufacturer, but they typically last about 7 years. The second reason you should get a new car seat is that you can’t really know how that seat has been handled. For example, if the car seat was installed and the driver had a car accident, it’s integrity may have been compromised. Or, if the car seat was checked as baggage on a flight, it was likely compromised.
4. Set Your Water Heater to 120 Degrees
Bath temperature is something new parents stress about, and fortunately, this can be an easy fix. If you have access to your water heater, set the temperature to 120 degrees to prevent accidental scalding. You’ll certainly be careful, but this tip can set your mind at ease.
Bringing a new baby home is exciting, fulfilling, and nerve-wracking at the same time. But just remember that you aren’t the first parents to do it and you won’t be the last. With a few safety precautions, you can keep that bundle of joy safe and healthy. Whether you’ll get any sleep is another thing entirely — but as everyone always says, it really is all worthwhile.
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