Baby Safety Month

Whether an expected pregnancy, or an unexpected pregnancy, your first child can be a mix of joy, excitement, and fear. I remember laying in my hospital bed staring at my fresh new baby, laying peacefully in his basinet questioning why someone would entrust me to take this sweet little boy home. What were my qualifications? There was no owner’s manual that magically appeared for him. There was also the fear of the outside world and the potential harm that could come to my baby. He was small and helpless. He was no longer safely nestled in my womb out of harm’s reach. It would be my responsibility to protect him, care for him, and raise him but I had no idea what I was doing. If you are currently feeling similar feelings, this is the article for you! Consider this your “Baby Safety Starter Guide.”

Baby Sleep

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a condition where a newborn passes away quietly in their sleep. Many studies have been done, and there are many theories as to why SIDS occur, there is no clear answer as to what causes SIDS. What we do know is that there are safe sleeping practices that can be put in place to reduce an infant’s risk of SIDS.

• Room sharing without Bed sharing: For the first 6 months of life, infants should sleep in their own crib/basinet in the same room as their caregiver. This has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS by 50%
• Use a firm, flat, non-inclined sleep surface, such as a safety-approved crib mattress with a fitted sheet. Soft bedding, pillows, bumpers, and sleep positioners are dangerous and should be avoided.
• Babies should be placed on their backs to sleep. Even after learning to roll over for the first time, their initial sleeping position should be on their back.
• Pacifiers used when an infant is initially put to sleep and laid in bed have been shown to decrease the risk of SIDS even if it falls out after falling to sleep.
• Avoid overheating: Dress the baby in one layer more than you’d need and check for signs like sweating or a hot chest.

Feeding Safety and Choking Hazards

As babies develop and begin to meet their milestones, they become more curious about their world and surroundings. Babies explore the world with their mouths, which increases the risk of choking:

• Avoid small, hard foods like grapes, nuts, hot dogs, popcorn, or chunks of raw vegetables.
• Introduce age-appropriate foods gradually and supervise all feedings.
• Learn infant CPR and choking first aid — many community centers and hospitals offer classes.

Home Hazards

Once babies become mobile it is important to baby-proof your home. Install outlet covers, cabinet locks, and baby gates. Anchor heavy furniture to prevent tip-over injuries. Keep medications, cleaning products, and small objects out of reach. Use window guards and blind cord safety devices to prevent falls and strangulation.

Car Seat Safety

Motor vehicle crashes remain a top cause of injury and death in infants and toddlers. Every ride — even a short one — should follow strict car seat safety practices. Use a rear-facing car seat from birth until at least age 2, or until the child reaches the seat’s height and weight limit. Ensure the seat is installed correctly — local fire stations or health departments often provide free inspections. Children in a five-point harness should have the chest clip placed in between the nipples. Straps should be tight enough that no slack can be formed by pinching over the shoulders.

Baby safety is not about eliminating every risk, but about making informed, proactive decisions to reduce avoidable dangers. As family medicine providers, we partner with families to empower them with the knowledge and confidence they need.

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s safety at any stage, don’t hesitate to speak with your healthcare provider. A little prevention goes a long way toward a safe and healthy childhood.

Dr. Burns is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501©3 Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland, and Huntsville, and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.