New moms get bombarded with well-meaning advice, almost from the moment they announce their pregnancy. Some of it is great, such as take care of yourself, get prenatal exams, and eat nutritiously. Some of it, however, may be outdated. Science is ever-evolving, and what mothers did 40 years ago may not be the recommendations today. …
Crib Safety for Your Baby
One of the important ABCs of safe sleep is putting your baby to sleep in a crib or on another hard surface. Here are a few tips to keep your crib a safe sleeping space for your precious baby: Make sure there are no gaps larger than two fingers between the sides of the crib …
WHEN YOUR BABY CAN’T TELL NIGHT FROM DAY
Humans are diurnal creatures, which means we are healthiest when we are awake during daylight and asleep when it’s dark. Somehow, newborns don’t always get the message; their circadian rhythms are immature during the first few months of life. It may take two to four months for this to develop, and during that time, they are …
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 …
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 …
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 …
4 things that should never be in your baby’s crib
A safe crib includes a firm mattress and tightly fitted sheet. That’s it. As you design your baby’s sleep surface, give some attention to what shouldn’t be included: blankets, pillows, toys, bumper pads and other babies. Here’s why: 1) Blankets and pillows Because an infant doesn’t have the strength to move if his or her …
Why you should keep your baby’s crib blanket free
Have you ever woken up to realize you’re so tangled in the comforter you can’t move? It takes a few seconds of kicking and turning before you free yourself. Now imagine you can’t kick or roll over, and the blanket is blocking your nose and mouth. You’re trapped. This is a very real possibility for …