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| Safety & Comfort | |
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Bathing During the first 7-14 days, your baby should receive a sponge bath only. This allows time for the navel cord to dry, fall off, and heal (and allow the circumcision to heal if your baby is a boy.) After this time an infant bath tub may be used. Do not use excessive soap and NEVER leave your baby unattended or left in the care of a sibling. Clothing Baby clothes should be light, loose, and simple. A rule of thumb is keeping the house temperature comfortable and dress the baby based upon the seasons. Be especially careful when outdoors as a baby's skin is very sensitive and can sunburn quickly. Car Seats Most hospitals will not allow you to leave with your newborn unless a baby car seat is mounted in your vehicle. Arkansas state law mandates ALL children under the age of 10 years be restrained in a properly installed car seat. Read and follow the manufacurer's installation and child restraining guidelines carefully. Cribs/Bassinets Your newborn should never sleep with you or another person. Be certain the baby's bed has a mattress that is flush with the head of the bed (and the foot of the bed, if applicable.) No pillows should be used. It is currently recommended to put your child to sleep on his/her back ("Back to Sleep" campaign), although wrapped with a light blanket and propped on their side is OK, also. Sick Family Members This may seem obvious, but tell friends or other family members who are sick to avoid contact with the baby until they are well. It is best to avoid large crowds such as busy department stores or other large gatherings of people until the baby is 6 weeks old. Smoking We cannot state strongly enough that there should be NO SMOKING around the baby. This includes the baby's room, house, car, and any friends' and relatives' house or car. SAMA - The Right Choice in HealthCare |
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