I have 4 kids. My oldest is 13 and my youngest is 2.5.  There’s been a lot of changes with safety guidelines for babies over the years.  For instance, when my oldest son was born his car seat was only a 3 point harness, not the 5 point we use now.  I remember a point when they told us to place baby’s on their tummy’s to sleep.  Of course for years now it’s been that baby’s should sleep on their back.  If you want to go even further, I remember as a young kid not even considering that I’d have to sit in a car seat or booster seat.  I remember people talking about holding their babies in the car which seems unfathomable now.

The point is, a lot has changed in safety recommendations and laws over the years.  It will continually change.  Heck they’re talking about rear-facing until 2 years old now.

For all you grandparents out there, especially new grandparents, you want to do your best to make sure you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing. You certainly know how to take care of a child but can you honestly say you’re up on all the newest safety guidelines and laws for babies? If you are, keep it up! If you admit that you could use a little brushing up, check out GrandparentTips.org.

For instance, you probably have pictures like this of your little ones sleeping:

I know my parents have pictures like this of me.  BUT did you know that neither of these are safe sleeping positions or placement now?  They now recommend baby’s sleep on their back.  No blankets or stuffed animals in the crib.  Baby’s should either sleep with a snug blanket sleeper or a product like HALO sleep sack.

• Place baby to sleep on his or her back at naptime and at night time.
• Use a crib that meets current safety standards with a firm mattress that fits snugly and is covered with only a tight-fitting crib sheet.
• Remove all blankets, comforters and toys from your baby’s sleep area (this includes loose blankets, bumpers, pillows and positioners). The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests using a wearable blanket instead of loose blankets to keep your baby warm.
• Offer a pacifier when putting baby to sleep. If breastfeeding, introduce pacifier after one month or after breastfeeding has been established.
• Breastfeed, if possible, but when finished, put your baby back to sleep in his or her separate safe sleep area alongside your bed.
• Room share, but don’t bed share. Bed sharing can put a child at risk of suffocation.

• Never put your baby to sleep on any soft surface (adult beds, sofas, chairs, water beds, quilts, sheep skins etc.)
• Never dress your baby too warmly for sleep; keep room temperature 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Never allow anyone to smoke around your baby or take your baby into a room or car where someone has recently smoked.

 

Here are some more safety guidelines that have changed over the years:

 

What changes are you aware of?  What do you remember your parents doing as a kids that have changed?

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