Hundreds of children under one year in the United States die from preventable injuries yearly. Parents often fail to realize what their children are capable of, which leads to injuries. You’ll be surprised how fast your child learns, and before you know it, he’ll be wiggling out of bed or reaching for the coffee cup in your hand.
Birth Injuries
A woman’s experience of giving birth is one of the most extraordinary in her life. It rarely goes as planned at the moment of birth, even after months of preparation and anticipation. What happens will depend on your health, the condition of the fetus, and the hospital’s policies. The most important thing is that the baby is healthy and here at last.
The baby can suffer a physical injury simply from being born during birth, sometimes referred to as birth trauma or birth injury.
The baby’s size or position during labor and delivery can cause a difficult birth or injury to the baby. Detecting these injuries can be challenging.
Parents must consult with a pediatrician within the first week when a baby suffers a birth injury. If you choose to have your child screened for minor or major issues, or if you just want a regular health checkup, the doctor can do that. Pediatricians may recommend rescreening or referrals to specialists based on the results.
In the case of a common birth injury like cerebral palsy, you will need to make regular appointments or pay special attention to the affected area of the child. You can also file a cerebral palsy medical malpractice case to get some financial aid. Many cerebral palsy families have received compensation as a result of malpractice lawsuits.
Falls
Babies start wriggling and pushing against things as soon as they are born. Even the smallest movements can cause a fall. You should never leave your baby alone on a changing table, a bed, or a chair. Ensure that he is safely tucked away in a cot when you cannot hold your baby.
Your baby’s ability to crawl may begin as early as six months of age. Keep your baby out of rooms where they might get hurt by using gates on staircases and closing doors. Ensure that all windows above the first floor have operable window guards.
Avoid using a baby walker, especially if you have stairs. The walker may tip over, the baby may fall out, or the baby may fall downstairs and suffer serious head injuries. Babies can also easily pull hot food and heavy objects with the assistance of a walker.
Call your doctor if your child has a serious fall or does not act normally after a fall.
Car Injuries
Your child’s health and life are at risk in the event of a car crash. Car safety seats can prevent most injuries and fatalities in car crashes. In addition to being safer, your child will behave better in a car safety seat so that you can pay attention to your driving. Taking your newborn home for the first time in a car safety seat should be a safe experience. It is recommended to place your infant in the back seat of the car in a rear-facing car seat.
Ensure that your baby’s car seat is properly installed. Be sure to read and follow the instructions with the car safety seat and the sections in your car’s owner’s manual on how to correctly use a car safety seat. Make sure your child rides in a car safety seat AT ALL TIMES.
It is never safe to put an infant in a car with an airbag for the passenger.
Burns
A baby’s fists will wave and grab at things when they are between three and five months old.
When carrying a baby, avoid holding hot liquids, such as coffee or hot food, in your hands. There is a possibility that your baby could get burned, and it’s impossible to handle both!
Additionally, when bathing, your child should not be exposed to tap water above 120°F to avoid scalds. There are many cases when you can adjust the water heater.
In case they get burned, immediately apply cold water to the affected area to prevent further injuries. For a few minutes, cool the burned area with cold water. Once you have covered the burn with a clean cloth or dry bandage, call your doctor.
Ensure your home has smoke alarms on every level, especially near your furnace and sleeping areas, to keep your baby safe from house fires. A monthly test should be performed on the alarms. You should use long-lasting smoke alarm batteries, but if you do not, be sure to replace them annually.
Choking and Suffocation
The first thing babies do when exploring their environment is to put whatever they find in their mouths into their mouths. Keep small objects out of your baby’s reach at all times. Feed your baby soft foods such as apples, carrots, and grapes. Ensure you cut their food thin enough so they won’t choke on it. In case your baby begins to choke, be prepared. Find out what actions you can take in such a situation from your doctor. Choking children can be saved if you know what to do.
You should always place your baby on its back to prevent suffocation and safeguard your child from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Your baby is recommended to sleep in a crib or bassinet without pillows, stuffed toys, bumpers, or loose bedding. You should never put your baby on a water bed, bean bag, or anything soft enough to cover their face and prevent them from getting air.
Placing plastic wrappers or bags over your child’s mouth and nose may suffocate them. Don’t let your baby come in contact with them.
Conclusion
Taking care of your new baby involves providing a safe environment. You can do several simple things to ensure your baby’s safety and security. You should consult your healthcare professional if you are concerned about your baby.