Infant Safety in Today's World

It would seem that some have tended to go overboard with recommendations for "safe living" in recent years. Must I really put on steel-toed boots, goggles, gloves, an air mask, helmet, parachute, sun block, knee and elbow-pads, a mouthpiece, and ear-plugs while carrying an umbrella, first aid kit, weather radio, cell phone, plenty of bottled water, a change of clothes, and a toothbrush...just to go to the grocery store?!

However, if there is one area in which we really do need to take reasonable precautions, it may be in this area of infant safety. Our newborn babies are wholly dependent upon us to make wise choices for their safety. When we fail them here, there is little that they can do to compensate for our mistake. The innocent pay the price for the irresponsibility of the assumed care-giver.

With that in mind, we offer you some pages of advice in critical areas of infant safety. The goal is not only life, but a healthy life for your newborn baby.

Safety on Wheels
This mobile and fast-paced world demands that we use quick and powerful modes of transportation, and, in general, we are thrilled to participate in the race that is this life! It is both our pleasure and our obligation to protect our precious little ones amidst the dangers of our conveniences.

Statistics show that over 40,000 deaths and nearly 3 million injuries occur from car crashes each year in the United States. That is nearly one death every 13 seconds! We never think it will happen to us, and yet it does happen to people...over and over again. My own family has experienced some of the terrors associated with these crashes...and on more than one occasion!

Child car seats, properly manufactured and used, are our best friend when it comes to infant safety during travel. Be sure you know the Child Car Seat Laws as they pertain to your road of travel, but more importantly, learn proper Infant Car Seat Safety for your baby's protection and your peace of mind.

Safety at Bedtime
We find satisfaction in using a baby crib for many reasons.

• It restricts and protects from outside distraction and harm (such as siblings or inattentive adults)
• It confines the baby and her "things"
• It allows "Mom" to sleep freely in her own bed (the dangers of co-sleeping with a newborn are a growing cause of accidental death in babies)

Having the best baby monitor for your home will give you peace of mind while your baby sleeps, but choose wisely so that your monitor doesn't broadcast your conversations to all of the neighbors.

Safety in Percentages...as Relating to SIDS
Any parent is bound to be sickened by the thought of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Part of the tension it creates is tied to the fact that so little is known about the reasons or causes related to this quiet end of a brief life.

Whether or not there is clear evidence to answer the "how" or the "why" of certain results, there is a growing history of data that seems to help guide us into better choices. Though it is not entirely satisfying to our curiosity to get answers...the percentages are the percentages!

We attempt to keep you informed of the very best infant safety options on the SIDS Prevention page of our baby care site. Rest assured that you are making the wisest choices for the health and safety of your little one. You are obligated to do your very best, but trust the Lord for His care.

See Related Articles

Child Car Seat Laws for Newborns

SIDS Prevention

Infant Car Seat Safety

Crib Safety Tips

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