September is #NationalBabySafetyMonth, dedicated to increasing awareness of baby safety issues. This event is sponsored annually by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA).
As a mom of two, I know how stressful it can be to keep on top of your baby’s safety. There are so many safety precautions, from recommendations on how to care for your baby, to figuring out which products are the safest for your little one.
MAM has some great recommendations to help parents and caregivers:
Strap in for Safety.  Did you know that falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries in children ages 0 to 19? Daily about 8,000 children in the US visit the emergency rooms for fall-related injuries. This September, JPMA is focusing on strap safety! Safety belts and straps should always be used when available, whether it’s on the go, in the car, and even at home.
Always place baby to sleep on their backs. A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that about 2 in 10 babies are placed to sleep in incorrect positions that greatly increase the risk of SIDS.
Babies should *always* be placed to sleep on their backs. Placing babies to sleep on their sides is just as dangerous as placing babies to sleep on their stomachs, since they are likely to roll over on to their stomachs while sleeping.
Consider pacifier usage when placing baby down for sleep and remember that the pacifier may not be reinserted once baby falls asleep. Â Pacifier use is shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. MAM supports the AAP published guidelines for pacifier usage.
Before placing a pacifier in baby’s mouth, check to see if there is any damage or signs of weakness. Pull the nipple in all directions and throw away the pacifier at the first sign of damage or weakness. Pay extra attention to your child’s pacifier as teeth emerge, which can occur as early as 1 month. Be sure to replace your baby’s pacifier frequently – once a month or every two months.
MAM pacifiers come in four sizes: newborn, 0-6, 6+ and 16+.
Each size was developed with pediatric dentists and developmental psychologists to provide your baby with the ideal pacifier at each age and stage.
These sizes are recommendations for your baby’s maximum comfort and safety; if your baby likes a MAM pacifier that is not the ideal size for his or her age, not to worry!
Always monitor your baby’s body temperature. Your baby could be too hot if you notice sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash and rapid breathing. One of the best ways to ensure your baby can regulate their body temperature while they’re asleep is to dress them in natural fibers like cotton, bamboo and merino.
The ErgoPouch (pictured) is a great choice when it comes to correctly dressing your baby for sleep. The correct, tog (warmth)-rated swaddle or wearable sleep bag/suit will allow you to not use blankets, which can place babies at risk of SIDS.
The ergoCocoon ‘no origami’ baby swaddle sleep bags are designed to be both easy to use and difficult to escape from. The simple zip up design will keep baby snug and securely swaddled without the need for complicated wrapping. Made from skin-friendly, breathable organic cotton for superior comfort, the ergoCocoon is acknowledged as ‘hip-healthy’ by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute for its ergonomically designed bell shaped bottom which provides extra leg room for healthy hips. For those bubs that like a little more freedom or are ready to transition out of a swaddle, the ergoCocoon has poppers in the armholes that can be used to convert from a swaddle to a sleeping bag. Tog rated for warmth, there is an ergoPouch swaddle to suit every season.
Ensure that your baby’s crib meets CPSC standards and that everything in your nursery is free of harmful chemicals and toxins. Check that the crib of your choice is not on the CPSC recall list. Just as important is ensuring that your baby’s crib is placed away from (1) windows, where drafts and sunlight can put your baby at risk, and (2) drapes/blinds, which are strangulation hazards.
Our friends at @Micuna_Usa (pictured) offer a collection of safe, stylish cribs made of sustainable materials like solid Beech Wood.
Place baby to sleep on a firm mattress covered by a fitted sheet that meets current safety standards. Remove ALL soft objects from the crib: bumper pads, blankets, pillows and stuffed toys. A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that almost 15% of babies are placed on non-recommended sleep surfaces each night while over 90% of babies have loose, soft objects in their cribs that pose suffocation risks. Please make sure to carefully check your baby’s sleep environment for these dangers to protect their safety.
Looking for a great, breathable crib mattress? Our friends at Newton Baby, (pictured) make Greenguard Gold Certified breathable, washable and recyclable crib mattresses that are   specially designed for baby’s health, safety and comfort.  The innovative design allows air to flow freely for optimal breathability and temperature regulation.
The SIDS institute says give your baby plenty of interactive tummy time. This should never be in a bed, a good place for this is on the floor. Never leave baby on their stomach unattended. Play with baby as he/she does baby push-ups.
@Gathre offers a great selection of wipeable, waterproof bonded leather mats — functional pieces that appeal to the modern mom’s personal aesthetic. Choose the perfect mat for playtime with baby!
Enter to win!
MAM gift package (ARV $75)
~ Includes MAM’s new Perfect Pacifiers
(along with bottles, teethers, drinking cups and oral care items)
~ ergoPouch ergoCocoon swaddle to sleep bag
This is something that ever new parent should read and bookmark. It’s so important to ensure that our babies stay safe and healthy on all levels.
Safety is number one when you have a baby. This is a fabulous post, I wish I had some of these products when mine were born.
Love the idea of the bonded leather mat for tummy time. It really is important that your baby gets enough tummy time. Very important post for new moms to read as a lot of these things are really important to have.
This is a great post. I used MAM pacifiers with both of my girls when they were babies. They were the only brand that I would trust.
Baby safety is always a Mother’s top priority. I remember when my kids were young, I was terrified that something bad would happen. I think all new moms should research a lot prior to having a baby! Too often, rules change or new information is learned so its best to be head of the knowledge.
The ergoCocoon looks so comfy! I imagine how nice it would be swaddled up in one. I never knew so much information about pacifiers existed and it is so important to know!
When I had babies I worried over them every single night. They both slept on their backs and slept pretty well. I would constantly check on them to make sure they were safe. My kids didn’t like pacifiers so I didn’t have to worry about those.
I think this needs to go viral! What an important and absolutely adorable (crushing on pics) discussion to have. I remember being a new mom…I was on information and safety overload! I love this 🙂
I am a new mom. This is really a very informative article for me. This post helps me a lot how to take care of my baby. Thanks, Marysa for this amazing post! I just bookmarked your website!
I never really thought about pacifier use reducing SIDS…but it makes sense!
When my daughter had Dallas there were so many more fears out there than when my kids were infants. I was so worried for her, much more than when I was the mom.
This is such useful information. It’s always good to remind people of the basics because it can be easy to get flippant about certain safety precautions.
I honestly didn’t even know about the pacifier. My son only took it for a week and my daughter never wanted to take it so I never really bothered to look into all the safety tips for it. This is great information for parents!
I used all of these techniques and safety measures with my kids. In my opinion, pacifiers are a must. My oldest found her thumb and that was the hardest habit to break.
I am so glad to come across this post. This is a helpful and great reminder for me now that I’m on my third trimester of my pregnancy.
I think a baby’s safety is every mom’s priority. I never used a pacifier with him, though. I didn’t try it because our mom didn’t approve of it. Good to know all these things.
It is crazy how many different things are out for babies and always having to worry and check about safety!
I learned how to check a pacifier for safety!
This post is amazing! All new parents should bookmark this and study it. It’s so important!
Baby days have changed so much since when I was raising little babies. I Love that you shared this, there’s so much information about baby safety that isn’t shared with new moms and I feel bad. We need to help each other be educated.
there is so much safety related best practices now a days–very good information to review as a wee one comes into your life! The more we spread awareness for new moms the better-great post!
When I had my first kiddo my biggest worry was SIDS! The one thing I bought they gave me a piece of mine was a monitor that would be underneath the mattress that would tell me if something was going on with him. It was one of the best fines I ever heard of and I loved it.
So many great tips, a great read not only for moms but grandparents and those taking care of kids.
it seams like every time i have a baby something new comes up for safety great tips thank you
thanks for teaching me how to check a pacifier for saftey..such great information here.
I’d really like to try the Mam newborn pacifiers, I didn’t know they had different ones for different ages!