Knowledge is Power

From the first day, moms-to-be receive a barrage of helpful advice from parenting books, pamphlets, and handouts (not to mention the in-laws). These resources offer suggestions on issues such as using car seats safely, foods to avoid, and babyproofing your house. To be sure, following such advice will help you avoid some of the countless catastrophes babies often find themselves in. The problem is, there are a lot of dangers that the “new parent” books fail to mention.

This article will prepare you for the unexpected. Here are four potential threats you may not find in many baby books…

“Friendly” Dogs And Cats

Your dog (or cat) has never shown signs of aggression, so there’s no reason to think he’ll snap, right? Wrong. Dogs and cats have tolerance levels similar to people. If your little one crosses the line, your pet can take one of two approaches. He might simply walk away to find solitude. Or, he might bite or scratch as a warning.

Take steps to prepare your dog or cat for the arrival of your newborn. Prior to childbirth, bring him into the nursery. Let him look around and grow accustomed to the room. After childbirth, have your partner bring home a blanket that has your little one’s scent; your pet will learn to recognize it. Most importantly, never leave your baby alone with your dog or cat.

Your Parents

It has probably been a long time - decades even - since your own parents have cared for an infant. Grandparents grow out of practice. Moreover, they often have different ideas about taking care of babies based on having done so during a different time. For example, certain foods that were acceptable back then may be less so today. And babyproofing a home may have been a lower priority.

Discuss with your parents the things you want them to address. If you don’t want your infant to eat jello or ice cream, tell them. If you’d prefer they keep their dog away, let them know. Be upfront with your expectations.

Standing In The Bathtub

Being able to stand is an enormous achievement in a baby’s life. When she’s able to do it, she’ll want to show you - over and over. That poses a risk when you’re giving her a bath; if she loses her balance and falls, she might hurt herself.

Have a few toys handy with which you can distract your little one. You can also let her know that if she continues to stand in the bathtub, you’ll end her bath early (babies and toddlers usually find bathing fun). Lastly, never take your eyes off her, even to look for a towel. Have all of the necessary bathing supplies ready and within easy reach.

Escaping The Crib

With the creativity and determination babies show in escaping their cribs, you might think they’re nearly impossible to confine. Unfortunately, infants and toddlers have little perspective regarding the potential dangers of their actions. If your baby climbs her crib’s rails, she might injure herself in a dozen different ways.

First, avoid putting toys in her crib that she might use to prop herself higher. That goes for pillows, too. Second, consider putting pillows on the ground around her crib’s perimeter. Some babies are surprisingly resourceful and will escape, regardless of the obstacles they confront. The pillows can cushion your little one’s landing and prevent injury.

If you already have children, you know from experience the trouble in which they can find themselves. You’ll have realized that many of the perils that threaten their safety aren’t even mentioned in popular baby books. If you’re a new mom or dad, be aware of the dangers. You won’t be able to plan for every circumstance, but you can still all but guarantee your baby’s safety.

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