January is National Child Safety Month and, honestly, this is so important to me on so many levels. During my newborn photo sessions nothing is more important to me that baby’s safety. I have devoted so much time to learning about safety in posing with regards to wrapping, body temperature, respiratory issues and physiology. Not only that but safety in moving body parts around, muscle development, wrapping correctly but even in areas like how I run my business and handle props lighting equipment etc. There is just so much to think about. Newborns are just so fragile and it is my goal to keep baby safe at all times through each set up during our session. I have an article you can read HERE about safety in the studio.
Taking Baby Home
It was so strange to me walking out of the hospital with my baby the first time. I really felt like I should have some sort of training or a manual. There is not a course on how to raise your kid. The doctors and nurses just say bye and send you on your way. Well there is more involved but that was the gist of it. LOL
As we drive away from the hospital I still can’t believe we have a baby. My husband was driving because, well, I just had a baby. I keep looking in the back seat at this precious new life. We go around a corner and the car seat starts to tip on it’s side!!! I scream for my husband to stop the car. Thankfully, the baby was properly in the car seat and it was locked into the base properly but the base was not locked in with the belt tightened and secure so over it went. I jumped (slowly) out of the car and run over and grab the metal bracket and locked it down. He was fine and I was completely beside myself.
Safety Tips
Having a new baby is such a huge thing. It changes your life like you would not believe. There are so many things to think about. I wanted to hear from other mamas who have had kids and hear what some of their tips were for having a new baby. There are the obvious things like keeping guns locked away, cleaners and medicine put up and out of reach, poisonous plants out of reach and safety with pets but here are a few others that I liked:
- Car seat safety! This one is a big one. Most people install their car seats improperly. And it is really surprising how large that number really is. Go to a police station or find a certified car seat technician to show you how to do it right. Cert.safekids.org is a great resource.
- Stove guards to protect busy toddler hands from reaching knobs and burners
- Window locks to prevent them from opening all the way so you can avoid falling
- Always be mindful of cords hanging down to prevent them getting around baby’s neck.
- Having baby in a sleep sack instead of blankets and bumper pads to prevent suffocation. Don’t forget Back is Best to prevent SIDS
- Breastfeeding/breast milk is a wonderful thing but also has so many additional health benefits like decreasing SIDS and so much more. Check it out!
- Having less “stuff” around our homes prevents tripping and accidents and anchor those large furniture pieces.
- Teaching your child to climb safely (because we all know they will at some point) is crucial to them once they start crawling and walking.
- Having a baby gate or a play yard to prevent accidents and falls is pretty awesome.
- Always keep two hands on baby when carrying them because they ALL like to throw themselves backwards and do it without notice or reason.
- Babies are so top heavy and do not realize that when they lean over a bucket or crib rail they can fall. Be mindful of that and the height of rails etc.
- Anything that can fit into a toilet paper tube can fit into a baby’s mouth. Don’t forget how dangerous button batteries and magnets can be.
Seriously, this list could go on and on.
One More Story
When my daughter was two all she wanted was to go and play at the park. We had safety gates up to keep her in the living room. But when my oldest son had a friend over he had left not only the gate to the living room open but the front door unlocked when his friend came in. I was washing dishes and had my back to the living room when my daughter took it upon herself to go outside and start heading towards the park. She had closed the door behind her so I did not even know she was gone. My neighbor saw her and brought her home. The mom guilt was pretty bad and I cried for the rest of the night. Needless to say we put high locks on the door that night along with an alarm. So scary!! Thank God she is ok.
Accidents Happen
I had one friend tell me her favorite tip was to get a helmet…..for mama. You never know when you are going to get a headbutt, poked or something thrown in your direction. LOL Please always remember is that we are not perfect. As parents, we do our best to keep our kids as safe as possible but things happen from time to time whether it was something we overlooked or by no fault of our own. DO NOT BEAT YOURSELF UP! You are a great mom. (Even if you leave a Bumbo on the coach and baby tips over). You love your kids and want the best for them. Just learn and move on. And hug your kids a little harder.
Book your newborn and maternity sessions now by contacting me HERE.
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