Taking care of yourself and a baby can be a challenge, and every parent worries about their child becoming sick. The good news is, you can protect your baby from common health risks by taking a few simple precautions. Here are five ways to keep your baby safe and healthy:
In This Article
1. Keep vaccinations up to date
Keeping vaccinations up to date is one of the best ways to protect your baby against common illnesses and diseases. According to advice on the Kids Health website, babies receive a Hepatitis B vaccine at birth and several other vaccines at two months, including influenza, rotavirus, and diphtheria. Make sure that you check your baby’s vaccine records and attend all follow-up appointments.
You should also encourage people who spend time with your baby to keep their vaccinations up to date. This includes family members, friends, babysitters, and so on. This will help to prevent illnesses and viruses from being passed to your baby.
2. Dress your baby appropriately
You should always dress your baby appropriately for the weather. If it is cold out, then dress them in layers and remember that they will need more clothing than you to keep warm. However, you should avoid dressing your baby in too many layers, as this can lead to overheating and dehydration. Speak to your pediatrician if you would like advice on how to dress your baby in different temperatures and seasons.
3. Apply sun protection
Medical experts recommend that babies should be kept out of the sun, especially newborns. Try to keep your baby in the shade and dress them in protective clothing when you are outside. If your baby is likely to be exposed to the sun’s rays, then you should apply sunscreen with a high SPF. Toddler Born Wild sells a range of SPF suncream for babies with super-high 50+ SPF designed to keep your baby safe.
4. Breastfeed if possible
The World Health Organization recommends that babies are breastfed exclusively for the first six months. Breast milk provides all of the nutrients and minerals that a baby needs to remain healthy in the first few months of life. It is also a great source of antibodies that protect your baby against common illnesses. However, breastfeeding is not the only option, and many mothers choose to feed their babies with milk formulas.
5. Brush their teeth
Good oral hygiene supports good health in babies. Start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they appear using a soft infant toothbrush. You should continue brushing their teeth twice a day until they are old enough to hold the toothbrush by themselves. At this point, you must show them how to clean their teeth properly and show them other dental hygiene practices like how to floss and use mouthwash.
Final thoughts
Many parents worry about the health and safety of their babies, especially if they are first-time parents. It is natural to feel anxious, but there are lots of ways to protect your little one from potential hazards and illnesses. These tips will help you keep your baby safe, healthy, and happy.
