According to the CDC, a baby is considered a newborn until they reach the two-month milestone. At this stage, a new baby begins to wake up its motor system and learn to respond to external stimuli. In the latter part of this stage, a newborn will start to squeal and laugh. Since newborns are not as mobile as older infants, you may believe they are safe from accidental poisonings. However, it is essential to think about poison safety at every stage of life, even during these early months when your baby is just beginning to explore the world.
Prevention
Prevention is a key part of poison safety. Before you bring your newborn home, take the time to assess your living space and ensure the areas your baby will inhabit are clear of items that could be harmful if touched or spilled on by your baby. This includes everyday items like creams, lotions, and medications, which may seem harmless but can pose a significant risk.
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Medication bottles are particularly dangerous to have around your newborn. As your baby grows, they will begin to develop the ability to grip and hold onto objects. Medication bottles should never be used as a toy or rattle to distract a baby. Poison centers have received numerous calls about babies accidentally ingesting or choking on pills. Even if a medication bottle is labeled "tamper-proof," this does not guarantee that babies and children will not be able to open it. It's crucial to store all medications well out of reach and sight of young children.
If your newborn is sent home with a medication treatment plan, it is important that one person is designated to administer these medications. Consistency is key to ensuring the correct dosages are given at the right times. If the medication schedule changes or a new person is tasked with giving the baby the medication, this should be clearly communicated to everyone involved in the baby's care to avoid any confusion or mistakes.
It is also important to note that siblings should never be in charge of giving the baby medication. Additionally, siblings should not be left alone to care for a newborn baby. All children in the home should be within sight of an adult at all times to ensure the safety of the newborn.
Preparation
Although we all hope to never face a poison emergency, it is crucial to be prepared for this scenario. Start by making sure you post the poison center number in a visible space in your home. Everyone in the household should know where to find this number. The Texas Poison Network offers magnets and stickers with the poison center number at no cost, which can be placed on your refrigerator or another easily accessible location. You can request these free items here.
In addition to having the number posted, be sure to program the poison emergency line into your cell phone. The 1-800-222-1222 number is free to call and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Having this number readily available can make a significant difference in an emergency, providing you with immediate access to professional advice and assistance.
By taking these simple yet crucial steps in prevention and preparation, you can help ensure that your home is a safe environment for your newborn and be ready to act quickly in the event of an emergency.
