Obstetrics » Newborn Care Introduction Prenatal Visit Information Infertility Nutrition Exercise Childbirth Classes Post Partum Care Newborn Care Bottle Feeding Breast Feeding Miscarriage AUTO SAFETY It is essential that you obtain an approved child-restraint car seat and use it every time your child rides in a motor vehicle. The local fire department will install your car seat securely in your car at no charge. Just call your local fire department to set up an appointment. A car seat that is more than 10 years old or that has been involved in a crash should not be used. Never place your baby in front of an air bag device. Make sure you have your car seat with you at the hospital to transport the baby home. CRIB SAFETY Make sure the slats are less than two inches apart and that the sides are 26 inches above the mattress. The side locks should be secure at all times. Do not use plastic sheeting or fluffy objects around the baby’s face Be sure there are no dangling strings, cords, or anything to help the child climb out of the crib. POISONING All household cleaners, medicines, poisons and plants should be kept far out of your child’s reach. HOME MEDICAL SUPPLIES TO HAVE ON HAND: Band-aids Cotton balls Q-tips Gauze pads Rubbing alcohol Saline nasal drops Benadryl syrup Decongestant drops Cough and cold syrup Acetaminophen (Tempra) Children’s Motrin Rehydration solution (Infalyte or Pedialyte) Anti-gas drops Diaper rash ointment Vaseline Hydrocortisone cream 1% Triple antibiotic ointment Thermometer Cool mist humidifier Medicine dropper Sunscreen Nail clippers/tweezers USP Activated Charcoal (15 gm bottle) Ipecac Syrup POISON CONTROL CENTER 1 800 222-8222 INFANT SLEEP POSITIONING AND SIDS According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, placing an infant to sleep on the back has the lowest risk and is preferred, sleeping on the side is a reasonable alternative and is safer than placing your baby on their stomach to sleep. Ask your pediatrician which method they recommend. This recommendation is for sleeping infants. A certain amount of “tummy time” while the baby is awake and observed, is recommended. Do not place your infant to sleep on a soft surface or with pillows or stuffed toys propped around them. These could block your baby’s airway. BATHING AND SKIN CARE A sponge bath usually cleanses adequately and is recommended for the first 3 to 4 weeks. This allows for the navel and circumcision to heal. Mild baby soap should be used. A thin layer of baby lotion may be used after the bath. Good general rule for both bath water and air temperature is what is comfortable for you should be comfortable for baby.

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