Brand New Dad » Month By Month » 2 Months Old » Keeping Your Baby Safe

Here are some ways to keep your baby safe:

• Never shake your baby, either in anger or in play. Shaking a baby can cause brain injury or death.
• If you smoke, quit! If you can't quit, smoke outside, away from the baby. Second-hand smoke can cause a number of childhood illnesses or make them worse. These include asthma, ear infections and sinus infections.
• Put your baby to sleep on her back. If your baby has a health problem, your doctor may tell you to put her in another position. Otherwise, always put your baby to sleep on her back. Make sure her crib has a firm, flat mattress.
• Make sure your baby's crib is sturdy and safe. There should be no loose or missing hardware. Babies can be hurt in an unsafe crib.
• Always use the safety straps in strollers, infant seats, changing tables and baby swings.
• Use an infant car-safety seat according to the directions.
• Never leave your baby alone in a car. Don't leave her alone for even a few minutes.
• Don't use necklaces to hold a baby's pacifier. A necklace or string could wrap around her neck and choke her.
• Don't leave small children or animals alone in a room with your baby. Even friendly, well-trained children and animals could accidentally hurt a baby.
• Install smoke detectors on each floor of your home. Put them near sleeping areas. Change the batteries as often as the directions say to.