Crawling: How to keep your baby safe

It’s very exciting when your baby starts to crawl. They’ve achieved a milestone. They are exploring new things, and taking in the world around them. Exploring comes with risks though, and it’s important to take precautions to keep a crawling baby safe. Once your baby starts to crawl, she will need constant supervision. If something …

What Causes SIDS?

“SIDS” (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) strikes fear into every parent’s heart, and that’s understandable. A normal, healthy baby can go to sleep and never wake up – for seemingly no reason. The medical community isn’t sure exactly what causes SIDS. But that doesn’t mean you’re helpless. Here are three major risk factors for SIDS, along …

5 little-known habits that endanger your baby

Accidental death related to unsafe sleep habits is the No. 1 cause of infant mortality in Missouri’s Bootheel. But it’s not just remembering to place your baby on his or her back to sleep or ensuring that your baby’s crib or sleep space meets current safety guidelines (both of which are very important). We know …

Q: Do mesh crib bumpers increase my baby’s risk of SIDS?

It’s fairly common knowledge that traditional bumper pads increase infants’ risk of suffocation and SIDS. Recently, though, some businesses have been offering mesh or “breathable” crib bumpers as safe alternatives. But are they really safer? The American Academy of Pediatrics says, “No.” Mesh bumper pads allow more air, but they aren’t suffocation-proof. Just like regular …

How you can help save lives

This September (like every September) is Infant Mortality Awareness Month – a time for us to shine a spotlight on the issue we’re passionate about every day. Infant mortality is a devastating problem in the Bootheel, with more than 140 babies from six Missouri counties (Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Scott and Stoddard) lost in …

The Bootheel Opioid Crisis Affects Moms and Babies

The Bootheel of Missouri is in the epicenter of a region with the highest opioid prescription rates in America (see 2016 CDC figure below). While rates have improved recently, over 210 million prescriptions for opioids are filled in the USA annually, with 2% of Americans using opioids “regularly”. Most women in our region receive excellent …

6 must-do’s to prepare for your baby

At some point during your pregnancy, you may feel like it’s never going to end. But every day, you move closer to the big event. Before you get there, though, you have to prepare. Here are some things to do during your final trimester to make sure you’re good to go before labor starts. Don’t …

What should I eat while I’m pregnant?

Eating while pregnant isn’t too different from regular nutrition – it involves consuming a variety of healthy foods. Experts recommend getting 300 more calories a day than you did pre-pregnancy. Eat more of these: Don’t waste your extra calories on junk foods that do nothing to help your baby develop. Try these foods instead. Fruits …

New parents’ guide to summer vacation

How to keep your baby safe, healthy and happy during the hottest season  Summer vacation with a baby (or even a trip to a Little League game for an afternoon) can be tricky for new parents. Here are some tips to get you started on the right foot.  #1 Keep your baby cool Having a …

Project WIN helps mothers with addictions beat the odds

Bootheel Babies & Families is pleased to feature Brooke Burlison, BSW, QAP, and the program coordinator for Project WIN at FCC Behavioral Health in Kennett, MO. Brooke is an active leader in our fight against infant mortality through her work with young mothers in Dunklin and Pemiscot counties. Pregnancy is an exciting time, as you …