Baby Safety with Baby Monitors, Baby Gates, Safety Car Seats, Strollers, etc.

When it comes to safeguarding your baby’s well-being at home, it is crucial to prioritize their physical safety. Startling statistics from the FBI indicate that approximately 2,300 children go missing every day. While these figures may seem inconceivable, installing a home security system can serve as a formidable deterrent to potential criminals. I recommend home security systems that include motion detectors, and recording capabilities for reference purposes if an incident does occur. Additionally, it is also important to have a solid door lock and window locks installed in your home to prevent unauthorized access.

Inside your home, the safety of your baby encompasses all the aspects of your child’s well-being and health. Baby monitors will give you the peace of mind to keep an eye and ear when you can’t be in the room with them. Some baby monitors even have features to detect face covering, crying, abnormal breathing, motion and sound, providing an extra layer of security.

For secure monitoring, consider choosing non-wifi monitors. However, you can also opt for Wi-Fi monitors with an accompanying app and advanced encryption. Non-wifi models should have a long-range to ensure consistent connectivity. Alternatively, you can choose models that support both a screen and an app, allowing you to switch between local network and wifi using your phone’s app. If you have more than one baby, I recommend these dual-camera monitors with split-screen viewing.

While baby monitor technology can enhance the safety of your little one, it’s crucial to be aware of potential risks. There have been cases of baby strangulation with cords and instances of baby monitor hacking, emphasizing the need for caution. To mitigate these risks, it is important to position the monitor at a safe distance from the crib and consider using cordless options. Prioritizing your baby’s safety and taking necessary precautions is paramount. Read about how you can safely mount your baby monitor in the nursery here.

To enhance security and minimize the risk of hacking, I highly recommend choosing a FHSS baby monitor that is hackproof and does not rely on WiFi. See these top recommendations for non-wifi baby monitors here.These monitors utilize local network and frequency hopping technology, making it extremely challenging for hackers to breach. If you prefer the convenience of accessing your baby monitor footage on your phone app, opt for a secure Wi-Fi monitor that employs advanced encryption and eliminates safety vulnerabilities, such as default admin accounts. For comprehensive home and nursery monitoring, consider smart cameras that are compatible with Apple Home, Google Home, or Echo Show.

To ultimately secure your little one, you need to babyproof different parts of your home before you bring your little one home after delivery. You can babyproof your fireplace using baby gates which can range from free-standing or harware-mounted. If you have stairs, I advise using a hardware-mounted gate at both the top and bottom of the stairs but can also opt for no-drill options if you live in a rental house/apartment that doesn’t allow drilling. Luckily, there are over 30 baby gate brands with various features including retractable (ideal for large openings), self-closing(ideal for when you are juggling multiple tasks), and pressure-mounted gates (easily movable to other areas of your home or ideal for temporary use), wooden(ideal for aesthetic-conscious parents), and swing-through gates (perfect for high-traffic areas). Some can even be mounted on uneven walls.

In addition to baby monitors and baby gates, there are other ways to ensure the safety of your child at home. One important step is to secure all furniture and appliances that could potentially tip over. This includes securing bookshelves, dressers, televisions, and any other large or heavy objects. Furniture anchors can be easily installed and can prevent serious accidents. You should also make sure all electrical outlets are covered with outlet plugs or covers to prevent your child from sticking their fingers or objects into them.

Another important aspect of babyproofing is keeping hazardous substances out of reach. This includes cleaning supplies, medications, and any other potentially harmful items. It’s a good idea to install cabinet locks on cabinets that contain these items or to store them in high cabinets that are not accessible to children. It’s also important to keep all sharp objects such as knives and scissors out of reach. Read about a child who died from being exposed to fentanyl in New York City this past month.

In addition to physical safety measures, it’s important to also consider the safety of your child’s environment. This includes creating a safe sleep space by following guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics crib safety and making sure there are no loose blankets or pillows in the crib. It’s also important to ensure that there are no choking hazards within reach, such as small toys or objects on the floor. If you opt for a lounger or bouncer for your child, make sure to always supervise them and never leave them unattended as per the latest guidelines on non-sleep baby gear.

Aside from the physical aspects of babyproofing, it’s also important to educate yourself on basic first aid and CPR. In case of emergencies, knowing how to respond quickly and properly can make all the difference in keeping your child safe. Take a first aid and/or CPR class specifically for infants and children to ensure that you are prepared for any situation. I would also recommend hiring babysitters who are trained in CPR or have basic safety knowledge in case of any accidents when you are not around. Moreover, it’s important to have emergency contact information readily available and easily accessible in case of emergencies.

You should also stay up to date on product recalls. As a parent, it’s your responsibility to make sure the products you use for your child are safe and have not been recalled due to safety concerns. You can check for product recalls on government websites or sign up for email alerts from manufacturers. We regularly update our blog with baby product recalls, so make sure to stay informed and check our blog for any updates.

When thinking of baby safety when in transit, baby carriers, car seats and strollers are essential items that need to be thoroughly checked for safety measures. Always read and follow the instructions carefully, use age-appropriate devices and make sure your child is properly secured at all times.

For ultimate safety, pick baby carriers that are well-padded and have adjustable straps for proper fit, as well as car seats that meet the latest safety standards. Go for car seats with the highest safety rating per NHTSA crash test results. Generally, car seats equipped with a 5-point harness system are regarded as the safest option. Opt for reputable brands like Graco, known for their top-notch combined head and chest sensor results boasting excellent outcomes for LATCH installation.

At some point, it becomes unsafe to continue using a car seat or stroller due to their expiration periods. Car seats have expiration dates because the components and materials that ensure your child’s safety gradually weaken or deteriorate after prolonged use and exposure to extreme temperatures. When considering the use of a car seat for future babies, it’s worth exploring reliable brands like Graco that offer durability for up to 10 years. Read more about Graco car seat expiration here.

In terms of strollers, choose one that has a five-point harness, sturdy wheels, and a locking mechanism for when it’s parked. Always use the brake when not in motion and avoid hanging heavy items on the handles as it can cause the stroller to tip over. When using a stroller, be mindful of your surroundings and avoid rough or uneven terrain. For stability and to navigate all terrains, I highly recommend 3-wheel strollers.

Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, safety should always be a top priority when it comes to feeding your baby. This includes ensuring the cleanliness of bottles and nipples, proper positioning during feeding, and monitoring the temperature of the milk or formula.

When using bottles, it is important to regularly check for any cracks or damage that could potentially harm your baby. It is also recommended to use BPA-free bottles to avoid any potential chemical exposure. When it comes to nipples, they should be replaced every 2-3 months or as soon as there are signs of wear and tear.

Proper positioning during feeding is crucial for both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. For breastfeeding, make sure your baby’s head is properly supported and their nose is in line with the nipple to prevent choking or difficulty latching. For bottle-feeding, hold your baby in an upright position and tilt the bottle at a 45-degree angle to prevent air from entering their stomach. You should also consider slow-flow bottles that ensure a steady flow of milk and prevent your baby from gulping too much air.

Finally, always make sure to check the temperature of the milk or formula before feeding your baby. It should be comfortably warm, not too hot as it can burn your baby’s mouth, or too cold as it can cause discomfort and refusal to feed.