Infant Safety

As you hold your new bundle of joy, you promise to always love and keep your baby safe. From the moment they enter our lives, it’s our responsibility to create an environment that nurtures their growth and protects them.

Safety Resources

Whether you're a new parent seeking advice on baby proofing your home or a seasoned caregiver, we have compiled some valuable resources to assist you on your parenting journey.

Newborn sleeping alone in crib with lightweight clothing.

If you bring your baby into bed for feeding or comforting, put them back in their own crib when you are ready to return to sleep.

Sleeping
Falling asleep in a crib takes practice, but it’s the safest place for your baby to sleep. Reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by following the ABCs of safe sleep.
 
  • Your baby should sleep ALONE. Do not put pillows, blankets, crib bumpers, toys, soft objects or loose bedding in a baby’s sleeping area. It is also critical to ensure strings, like window blind cords, are far out of the baby’s reach. Put them in a baby-safe bed or a crib beside your bed. Your baby will know you’re nearby.
  • Your baby should sleep on their BACK. Put your baby to bed on their back. Make sure to instruct anyone caring for your baby about baby-safe places for sleeping and that they must put your baby to sleep on their back. 
  • Your baby should sleep in a CRIB. Your baby’s crib should be approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and have a firm mattress that fits tightly in its frame. Use a tightly-fitted top sheet only. Don’t use any loose blankets, quilts, sheets, comforters, pillows, soft toys, stuffed animals, or bumpers.
Mother bathing her infant in a tub made for newborns.

Only give your newborn sponge baths until the stump of the umbilical cord falls off. This usually happens by one or two weeks of age. If it remains beyond that time, talk to your baby's doctor.

Bathing

Three baths per week during baby’s first year may be enough. Bathing more frequently can dry out your baby’s skin.

  • Bathe your baby in an infant bathtub. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends a hard plastic baby bathtub that has a sloped, textured surface or sling that keeps your baby from sliding.
  • Check the water temperature. Fill tub with 2-3 inches of warm, not hot, water (check temperature with your wrist or tub thermometer. The water should be between 96-100 degrees Fahrenheit).
  • Use soap sparingly. Soaps can dry out your baby’s skin. If a cleanser is needed for heavily soiled areas, use only mild, neutral-pH soaps without additives. Rinse soap from the skin right away.
  • Start practicing infant water safety. Never leave a baby alone in the bath, even for an instant. Most child drownings inside the home occur in bathtubs, and more than half of bathtub deaths involve children under 1 year of age.
  • Have fun in the tub. If your baby enjoys their bath, give them some extra time to splash and play in the water. Bathing should be a very relaxing and soothing experience, so don’t rush unless they’re unhappy.
Dad putting infant into rear facing car seat.

The best child seat is one that fits your child, fits your car, and will use correctly every time you're in.

Car Seat Safety

Children should always be buckled-up or in a proper child restraint for their age, size, and weight.

  • Use an appropriate car seat. Prevent motor vehicle injuries by placing your baby in an appropriate rear-facing car Infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer. As children grow, how they sit in your car will change. Make sure you use a car seat that fits your child’s current size and age. The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration has resources to help parents and caregivers including an easy-to-use tool that lets you find the right car seat to fit your child
  • Install the car seat correctly. Read the car seat’s instruction manual and the portion of your vehicle’s owner manual when you install a car seat. The Florida Highway Patrol has certified troopers who can help ensure your child is in a suitable seat and you are using it properly. Find a station near you and call to set up an appointment.
  • Never leave your child alone in the car, not even for a minute. The temperature inside a car can reach deadly levels in minutes, even in mild weather.
Infant crawling to sliding glass door.

As your child continues to develop and learn new skills, make sure to plan ahead with their safety in mind.

Home Safety

Because babies can develop new skills quickly, adults can be caught unaware and injuries may happen. Different risks appear at every stage of development and change takes place very rapidly in the early months and years.

A home safety checklist should be completed at each stage of your child’s development.