September is Baby Safety Month, however our little one's wellbeing is a year round, 24/7 activity!

When you become a new mum, especially for the first time, there is a lot to learn about how to keep your baby safe. It's best to do a considerable amount of research beforehand to prepare, however as parents we are constantly adapting and making decisions on the move.

Below are some of our tips to be aware of when safe proofing your baby’s space, particularly in matters of sleep:

1. ONLY ALLOW YOUR BABY TO SLEEP ON THEIR BACK

The safest position for your baby to sleep is on their back, no matter the time of day. The chance of SIDs is significantly higher when the baby is on their front or side. If your baby happens to roll onto their side, you should carefully move them back onto their back until they are at least one years old.

Photo: Tara Raye

2. NO LOOSE ITEMS IN THE CRIB

Make sure you have a firm mattress, a tight fitted sheet, and a high quality, industry-certified crib. No other items are necessary, for example a pillow, blanket, comforter or soft toy. All can be a suffocation risk as the baby moves around.

3. NEVER LEAVE STANDING WATER UNATTENDED

Mop buckets, ponds, paddling pools, filled sinks, uncovered toilets - all are a safety risk for a curious little one. A baby doesn’t have as much strength as an older toddler, and should they fall forward while playing with water, they can drown in only a few centimetres.

Photo: MK. S

4. LOCK UP YOUR CLEANING CHEMICALS

This might seem obvious, but make sure that your laundry detergent, floor cleaner, bathroom bleach, oven degreaser, etc. are all stored in a high cupboard, or even better, one that can be locked. It only takes a second of distraction, and your baby can wriggle into just about any cupboard on floor level.

5. LEARN ABOUT CAR SEAT SAFETY

Some parents come to rely on their car seat as a sleep cue for restless babies. A child who likes the vibrations and sounds of a vehicle often nod off once in motion, however sleeping in a car seat for a prolonged period is not ideal. When your baby is seated, their head can naturally fall forward causing difficulty breathing. It is recommended that babies spend no more than 2 hours at a time in their car seat.

Photo: Alexander Grey

6. DON’T ALLOW STRANGERS (OR EVEN FAMILY!) TO KISS YOUR BABY

So many people are not aware of the dangers that come with kissing a newborn child, however their immune systems are extremely underdeveloped.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a very serious and potentially fatal condition that can be caught through the inhalation of droplets in a cough or sneeze, or even through physical touch. RSV can cause severe breathing issues and also affect the heart and brain.

Cold sores can also be incredibly dangerous; if someone with a cold sore kisses your baby, he or she could pass on the HSV 1 virus, causing blisters around the baby’s mouth, and even on the brain.

7. BE EXTRA AWARE OF EVERYDAY HAZARDS

Simple things that you’ve not given a thought to in years are now a huge potential safety risk. For example, any remote control that contains batteries must be checked to ensure they cannot come loose. Blinds and curtains must not be accessible to little hands. Mugs and plates must always be left on tables high enough so that they cannot be pulled down onto the heads of unsuspecting children playing.

8. CHOOSE A CHANGING TABLE / HIGH CHAIR WITH STRAPS

Your baby will wriggle! That is inevitable, so be prepared by making sure your high chair and changing table are equipped with straps so that your baby cannot roll off or slide through. One less thing to think about!

Photo: Harry Grout

9. GET A COVER FOR ALL ELECTRONIC OUTLETS

Again this may seem obvious, but if you live in a large home it can be easy to forget to get a plum for all of your sockets, particularly those at floor level. The last thing you want is your baby putting their finger in a live socket and getting a nasty shock!

10. CONSIDER SWADDLING WITH A LOVE TO DREAM

Swaddling with Love To Dream comes with some safety benefits. For example, it eliminates the need for a loose muslin cloth, meaning that there is no chance your baby can wriggle free and become entangled in the loose cloth. Having the hands up also encourages your baby to stay on their back, the safest sleep position.

Of course, there are many other points you must be aware of as a parent. Check the resources in your local area, and take guidance from your midwife, GP, or pediatrician.

But our last piece of advice would be to not get overwhelmed with tips from strangers or family; safety advice changes over time, and old wives-tales can often be dated or contradict modern research advancements.

Do what is right for you and your family’s safety, and enjoy motherhood! It is a beautiful journey.