Infant Care
Car Seat Safety
Car seats are one of the most important items to purchase before child birth. Hospitals will not let you leave without one and the Hawaii State law mandates that, “all children under 4 years must be restrained in a federally approved child safety seat,” with a fine up to $500 for violators. When purchasing or accepting a car seat, always check for:
1. Expiration Date- Expiration Dates make sure car seats are up to date with safety codes and that the materials are in good condition.
2. Make sure to car seat has never been involved in a car accident. Car seats involved in previous accidents can be at higher risk for malfunctions.
3. Has a 5 point harness- 5 point harness car seats are the top ranked and safest car seats on the market.
4. Is rear facing- Babies cannot be in front facing seats until they are at least a year old and weigh 20lbs.
Buckle baby safely
1. Do NOT buckle your car seat in front of the air bag
2. Car seat should NOT move more than 1 inch along seat belt path
3. Baby should be snug inside car seat when buckled
4. Harness straps should be placed through the slot below baby’s shoulder level
5. Chest clips should be placed at your baby’s armpit level
TIP: Before leaving to hospital, have your doula show you how to install the car seat into the vehicle to familiarize yourself with car seat operations and features.
Handling Newborn
Some important basic information to remember and share with others who may be caring for your baby.
Wash hands: before handling your baby make sure to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. Newborns do not have a strong enough immune systems to help fight off infections.
Support baby’s neck and head: always cradle or support baby’s neck when carrying baby upright or laying them down.
NEVER shake baby: Never shake baby either for play or in frustration! Vigorous shaking can cause bleeding in the brain and even death.
Sleep Safety
More than 3,500 infants die suddenly of no immediate cause in the United States. Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) is defined by the CDC as a broader term that encompasses all the sudden infant death including SIDS, accidental deaths, sudden natural death, and homicide. SIDS is the leading Cause of death in the United States for babies from 1 month to 1 year. Accidental suffocation and strangulation compromise 25% of SUID cases annually.
To reduce the risk of SIDS, follow precautions when putting baby to sleep:
1. Always place baby on back
2. Use firm mattress for baby’s bed
3. DO NOT put blankets, pillows, bumper pads, toys, or devices in baby bed
4. Keep crib in parents room until baby is at least 6 months old
5. DO NOT place baby alone in adult bed, couch, or futon
6. Breast feed baby whenever possible
7. DO NOT over heat infant during sleep
8. Avoid tobacco smoke
TIP: Studies show babies that are exclusively breast feed have up to 50% reduced risk of SIDS. Breast milk also decreases the occurrence of respiratory and gastrointestinal infection.
For great local & affordable baby needs, check out Crib Hawaii
Co-Sleeping
Cribs may not be in your plans as a new mother. Co-sleeping is very popular all over the world and parents who share their beds with their infants report some amazing benefits.
Co-sleeping is when a parent and child sleep in close social or physical contact of each other, meaning that each can tell that the other is nearby. Parents can co-sleep either by room sharing or bed sharing.
Room-sharing: when parents have a crib in the room with them; a bassinet, portable crib, or play yard near the bed; or a bedside sleeper attached to the side of the parental bed.
Bed-sharing: when parents and infants sleep together in a bed.
If you are interested in learning more information about co-sleeping with your baby check out the following websites: