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Below is a list of tips that have appeared on Your Baby Today home page since the program began. Tips are updated on this page on a weekly basis.
- Pass up toys with sharp edges or small parts that could come loose.
- To model safe behavior, moms and dads should always wear seat belts in the car.
- Never leave a child alone in a car.
- A baby who pulls on his ear may have an ear infection.
- Keep plastic bags, balloons, and baby powder out of reach.
- Never leave your baby alone, except in a crib.
- Ask your doctor or nurse for ideas about how to keep your baby alert during the day so he'll sleep better at night.
- You'll know your baby is healthy if she has doubled her birth weight at 5 months.
- Keep a camera loaded with film and extra batteries handy to capture special moments in your baby's life.
- To be on the safe side, remove all pillows and blankets when your baby is sleeping in her crib.
- Invest in some flexible teething rings that can be cooled in the refrigerator to soothe your baby's gums.
- If you plan to have an epidural, bring some of your favorite tapes or CDs to listen to while waiting for your baby's birth.
- A drooling baby is probably cutting a new tooth.
- If you're planning to become pregnant, schedule a visit to the dentist first.
- If you're having trouble getting pregnant, ask your doctor to check your thyroid level.
- Keep a diary about your pregnancy and your baby's birth and read it to your child when he gets older.
- To encourage a lifelong habit, read to your baby often.
- Rattles make good baby toys because they strengthen arm muscles and increase hand-eye coordination.
- Consider donating your newborn's umbilical cord blood to save another child's life. Ask your doctor for details.
- If your infant is having trouble sleeping and you are breastfeeding, cut back on caffeine.
- Before you come home from the hospital, let your cat or dog sniff a blanket that smells like your new baby, to ease the transition.
- Make sure slats on your crib are no wider than 2 and 3/8 inches apart.
- Cover all sharp corners on tables, dressers and desks with foam or plastic child-proof cushions.
- To trim a baby's nails, first soften them with a bath. Then use a nail file or safe baby clippers.
- To make diaper changes go more smoothly, hang a mobile, or eye-catching toy above the changing table (but keep it out of baby's reach).
- To prevent your cat from jumping into the baby's crib, line the mattress with double-sided tape or foil.
- At six months, babies start teething. If it's preventing your child from falling asleep, try a topical pain reliever from the drugstore.
- When decorating your baby's room, choose latex over oil-based paint, which has toxic fumes.
- Try to paint the nursery before you conceive to avoid any exposure to lead paint chips.
- If your home was built before 1977, ask a trained professional to check for lead paint.
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