Welcoming a newborn baby into the world is an exciting time, although it may be full of uncertainty and questions for first-time parents or grandparents. Questions about baby’s health, sleeping routines and nursing are often at the top of the list. In just a few short months, I’ll become a new grandparent myself, and as we recognize Baby Safety Month in September, I wanted share some advice on what to do – and what to avoid – in taking care of a new baby.

During the first 12 months with a new baby, they can sleep anywhere from 12-18 hours in a day. It’s important to know how – and where – to place a baby for safe sleep. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year in the United States about 3,400 infants die from sudden, unexpected causes. The three main reasons are sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed, and unknown reasons.

Safe Sleep – What to do:

• Until they are one year old, always place baby on their back to sleep, whether for naps or at night. Once baby can roll over on their own, from back to stomach and stomach to back, you can leave them in the position they choose – after starting sleep on their back. If baby can only roll one way on their own, reposition them on their back if they roll on their stomach during sleep.

• Do have baby sleep in the same room as their parents for at least the first six months. Baby should sleep in a sleep space designated for infants. The sleep surface should be firm, flat, level and covered only with a fitted sheet.

• Do place cribs, bassinets and toddler beds away from windows, heaters and lamps. Ensure monitors, or anything with cords, are at least three feet away from the crib.

• Dress baby in clothes suitable for the temperature of the room.

• Reduce the risk of SIDS in formula-fed babies by using pacifiers.

Safe Sleep – What to avoid:

• Avoid placing toys, pillows, blankets or soft items in the sleep space.

• Don’t have baby sleep on soft surfaces (sofa, pillow-top mattresses, blankets), which can raise the risk of wedging, entrapment, suffocation and strangulation.

• Avoid overdressing baby in too many clothes to keep them warm. Overheated babies are at higher risk for SIDS and heat-related deaths. Signs baby is too hot: sweating, flushing/red or hot skin, and baby’s chest feeling hot to the touch.

• Avoid swaddling baby after three months old. Once baby begins rolling over on their own, swaddling increases the risk of suffocation and strangulation. Swaddled babies under three months old should always be placed on their back to sleep, since they may have trouble moving out of the stomach or side position.

• Don’t force baby to take pacifier. If pacifier falls out of baby’s mouth during sleep, you don’t need to put it back in.

• Don’t using sitting devices (car seats, strollers, slings) for regular sleep spaces or naps. If baby falls asleep, move them to their regular sleep space as soon as possible – once you are out of a vehicle.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding may be a big decision and commitment. If possible, feed newborns human milk, with nothing added, for the first six months. Not only does this provide the greatest protection from SIDS, but the longer a baby gets human milk, the lower the SIDS risk. Feeding by breastfeeding or pumping from the breast also reduces the risk of diarrhea, asthma and ear infections.

At UnityPoint Health – Fort Dodge, our lactation consultants are here to help mothers with their journey through Breastfeeding 101 classes, inpatient support, postpartum home visits & lactation consultations and clinic consultations. For newborn babies who experience difficulty sucking, we give breast milk or formula through a nasogastric (NG) tube to help them get the nourishment they need.

Travel

When traveling with baby, check car seat straps to ensure they are the correct tightness. Take breaks every few hours to give baby a break from the car seat. No matter the temperature outside, don’t leave baby alone in the car. Create reminders to check your backseat by putting something you’ll need when reaching your destination (phone, purse, wallet) in the backseat. Avoid using second-hand car seats and booster seats, especially if they are beyond their expiration date or if they have been involved in a car crash.

Health care

At UnityPoint Health – Trinity Regional Medical Center, we are proud to have a unique partnership with Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines. We have Blank Children’s hospitalists on-site to provide inpatient pediatric and newborn nursery care 24/7. Our Level II Special Care Nursery allows us to provide breathing support for babies with respiratory difficulties, as well as giving an IV drop for fluids and/or medications. From birth, we are focused on baby safety and that’s why we partner with Blank Children’s Hospital.

We are here for you from that special moment baby is born, and to answer any questions you have. Our team consists of physicians, pediatric advance practitioners, nurses, lactation specialists, a licensed mental health therapist and care mangers. Whatever question or concern you have; we can help you through it. Please don’t forget to see your doctor for regular checkups and ensure you are completing timely preventative exams, like an adult wellness visit, mammogram, colonoscopy, etc. Please visit with your doctor to learn more about your health and the timing of preventative health exams.

If you are becoming a new parent or grandparent, congratulations! May this exciting time bring you and your loved ones abundant joy and happiness.

Leah Glasgo is the chief executive officer of UnityPoint Health – Fort Dodge.