What New Grandparents Need to Know

Things have changed over the past few years a bit when it comes to raising children and babies. For the most part it is just a parenting style preference, but there are some basic safety rules that are very important to know that are new. If you are new grandparents you need to read this list and make sure you are aware or these things when preparing for your new grandbaby or for when you will be babysitting.

First of all, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a very scary cause of death of infants that researchers have found to be widespread in the US today. Many grandparents do not know what SIDS is or how to prevent it. To learn more click here http://www.sids.org/
Being knowledgeable will help comfort the new parents in times when they need to leave the baby with you. Keeping up to date with safety regulations and guidelines also provide the best atmosphere for your little one. There are a few simple ways to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Babies must now be laid down to sleep on their backs. Yes, many of us have put their babies to sleep on their tummies and nothing happened. But we have now learned that babies who are put on their tummies have a higher incidence of SIDS. There are many reasons why, but the most important thing is to put the baby on their back when napping or at night. The percentage of infants placed on their backs to sleep has increased dramatically, and the rates of SIDS have declined by more than 50 percent. Many babies prefer the tummy but will eventually learn to sleep on their backs.

No more blankets in the crib. Babies have a higher chance of SIDS with blankets and bedding in the crib with them. Wearable sleep blankets are available at many retailers and are much safer. They are reasonably priced and cost about the same as a regular blanket. They are worn by the baby over their night clothes and this way they cannot get twisted up over the babies face. These sleep blankets are made out of fleece for the winter or cotton for the summer. It is a much safer alternative to a loose blanket or comforter in the crib.

We have now learned that babies should not be started on solids or cereal any earlier than four months. Many parents used to put cereal in the babies bottle at a very early age in order for them to sleep longer. After years of research, pediatricians and researchers have proven that this is not very effective and can have detrimental side effects. A baby too young for cereal can have moderate to severe gastrointestinal problems from this combination. The intestines of a young newborn and infant have to go through a process where they actually mature enough to digest solid food. If infants get solids too early this can cause allergies and other intolerances to food. Researchers have also found that cereal in the bottle or solids to early can increase the chance of diabetes in children & obesity.

Everyone thinks a family heirloom is a great way to keep family history alive. But an antique crib or bassinet may be more of a danger than you think. Cribs now are regulated and have to have specific size spacing between the slats. Slats should be no more than 23/8" apart & there should be no design cutouts in the headboard or footboard. Many older models are not up to standard and can lead to strangulation or death. Also, cribs now are made out of safer materials and the paint used on an older crib may have high lead levels. We now know that lead poisoning can be very dangerous for babies and children. For more information on whether your crib is safe check this website http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/5030.html.

Mattresses are now recommended to be firm. Save the soft ones for when you grandchild becomes a toddler. A soft mattress can pose a suffocation risk and increase the chance of SIDS. Be sure that the sheets used in the crib are snug and fitted securely. This will minimize the chance of baby getting tangled in the sheets.

And finally, it is never a bad idea to learn infant CPR. Check out your local hospital or find a class near you from the American Heart Association on this website http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3012360. There is usually a small fee to register, but it is nothing compared to the value of a life. Hopefully you will never have to use it, but children are unpredictable and being prepared will only ensure their safety.

Take the time to check your crib, learn CPR and familiarize yourself with the new safety guidelines followed now for babies. It will allow you to be the best grandparents you can be, confident you are providing a safe place for your grandchildren.