Positional PlagiocephalyPassage through the birth canal often makes a newborn’s head appear pointy or elongated for a short time. It’s normal for a baby’s skull, which is made up of several separate bones that will eventually fuse (or blend) together, to be slightly misshapen during the few days or weeks after birth. |
CosleepThe image of a baby and parent dozing off together isn’t an uncommon one. But the practice of cosleeping, or sharing a bed with your infant, is controversial in the United States. Supporters of cosleeping believe that a parent’s bed is just where an infant belongs. But is it safe? |
ApneaEveryone has brief pauses in his or her breathing pattern called apnea – even your child. Usually these brief stops in breathing are completely normal. Sometimes, though, apnea or other sleep-related problems can be a cause for concern. Find out what it means when your child’s doctor mentions apnea. |
Prevent BurnsBabies and toddlers learn about the world through their sense of touch. One of the first things they learn is that some things can be painfully hot. Many items, such as stoves and radiators, are cool at some times and hot at others – which complicates the lesson. |
Prevent DrowningWater is fun to play with, but it can also be deadly. Use these tips to protect your children from its hazards. Children are irresistibly attracted to water. It’s sparkly. Things float in it. And it makes a great sound when you smack it. |
Prevent Water ScaldsEach year, approximately 3,800 injuries and 34 deaths occur in the home due to scalding from excessively hot tap water. The majority of these accidents involve the elderly and children under the age of five. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges all users to lower their water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. In [...] |
Prevent PoisoningYOUNG CHILDREN WILL EAT AND DRINK ALMOST ANYTHING! Keep all liquids and solids that may be poisonous out of their reach. Each year poison control centers report nearly one million children under the age of five are exposed to potentially poisonous medicines and household [...] |
Prevent Window FallsEvery year, thousands of young children are killed or injured in falls from windows. To help prevent these tragedies, take the following actions — especially for windows in bedrooms. Install window guards to prevent children from falling out of windows. (For windows on the 6th floor and [...] |
Prevent S.I.D.SIn addition to placing healthy infants on their backs to sleep, the AAP suggests the following measures to help reduce the risk of SIDS: Place your baby on a firm mattress to sleep, never on a pillow, waterbed, sheepskin, or other soft surface. Do not put fluffy blankets, comforters, stuffed toys, or pillows near the [...] |
Toy Shopping Safety TipsUnder 3 years old Children under 3 tend to put everything in their mouths. Avoid buying toys intended for older children which may have small parts that pose a choking danger. |