Safety Alerts
If you have babyproofed your home, your baby should be safe at this age. (See Chapter 13 for more information on childproofing.) He isn't going to be crawling or walking yet, so he can't get into too much trouble. However, there are some specific things you should watch out for. Some early milestones, namely rolling over and grasping things, can put your baby at risk of injuries from falls and choking if you aren't careful. Also, your baby is now entering the prime risk period for SIDS.
Falls
Before a baby becomes mobile, if you put him down in a safe place, you can usually assume that he will stay safe. Everything changes once he begins rolling around, though, and this often starts well before parents expect it. Parents who wait until they actually see their baby roll over before they start being careful to not leave him alone on a bed, changing table, or couch are likely to see the baby suffer at least one fall. Keep in mind that the first time your baby rolls over might also be the first time that he rolls off of your bed.
Babies typically begin rolling over between two and six months, but because those are averages and some babies roll over even earlier, it is a good idea to never leave your baby alone in any place where he can roll off and fall.
Choking
Because your baby is only going to be eating breastmilk and formula at this age, you don't have to worry about him choking on any solid foods. However, rolling over does put your baby at risk for choking if he can get to something and put it in his mouth. These choking hazards can include small pieces of hard candy, coins, small magnets, buttons, marbles, and any other small items. Be sure to keep small objects out of your baby's reach at all times.
SIDS
Parents are usually well aware of the tragedy of infants who die of SIDS. And most know how to reduce the risk of SIDS by putting their baby to sleep on his back and not on his stomach.
The following are less well-known tips to help reduce your baby's risk of SIDS:
Avoid side sleeping, which is better than letting your baby sleep on his stomach, but not as safe as back sleeping (side-sleepers may roll onto their stomachs)
Make sure that all caregivers know to put your baby to sleep on his back
Don't let your baby get overheated when he is sleeping
Don't let anyone smoke around your baby
A safe crib, in addition to helping avoid injuries, can also help to reduce the danger of SIDS. Features of a safe crib include a firm mattress with a tight-fitting crib sheet, slats that are not more than 2. inches apart, and no soft objects, such as fluffy blankets, comforters, pillows, or toys.
If you are using a blanket instead of a sleeper, tuck it under the mattress so that it only covers your baby up to his chest. Then place your baby to sleep with his feet near the end that has the blanket tucked under it. This will help to make sure that the blanket can't cover your baby's face.
