How to Bathe Your Baby:How to Bathe Your Baby:

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need: need: – Washcloth Washcloth – Mild soap Mild soap – Baby shampoo Baby shampoo – Cotton balls Cotton balls – Hooded towel Hooded towel – Cotton swabs Cotton swabs – Diaper Diaper – Clean clothesClean clothes

Sponge Bath DemoSponge Bath Demo

Drowning

When bathing an infant, plan ahead When bathing an infant, plan ahead to avoid interruptions. to avoid interruptions.

Never leave a young child Never leave a young child unattended in the tub. If you must unattended in the tub. If you must leave, take the baby with you. leave, take the baby with you.

Never leave a young child alone Never leave a young child alone outdoors, especially if there is a pool, outdoors, especially if there is a pool, spa, pond or even a bucket of water.spa, pond or even a bucket of water.

Tips for Cord Care:Tips for Cord Care: To prevent infection and speed the drying of the cord, some To prevent infection and speed the drying of the cord, some

healthcare professionals suggest cleaning around the cord with healthcare professionals suggest cleaning around the cord with a cotton swab dipped in warm water. a cotton swab dipped in warm water.

To avoid irritation, don't cover the area with a diaper or plastic To avoid irritation, don't cover the area with a diaper or plastic pants. Fold the diaper over and away from the cord area. pants. Fold the diaper over and away from the cord area.

Continue this hygiene for a few days after the cord has fallen Continue this hygiene for a few days after the cord has fallen off completely. Don't be surprised if you see a few drops of off completely. Don't be surprised if you see a few drops of blood the day the cord falls off. This is normal. blood the day the cord falls off. This is normal.

As the cord falls off, the center may look yellow. But if it has As the cord falls off, the center may look yellow. But if it has a pus-like discharge or an offensive odor, or if the area is hot, a pus-like discharge or an offensive odor, or if the area is hot, red and swollen, call your baby's doctor.red and swollen, call your baby's doctor.

Baby Cares:Baby Cares:

▄ Nail trimming:Nail trimming:When your baby is born, she may have rather long When your baby is born, she may have rather long fingernails that will need to be cut, left, so she doesn’t fingernails that will need to be cut, left, so she doesn’t scratch herself. The hospital won’t do this for you because scratch herself. The hospital won’t do this for you because it’s considered a surgical procedure, so you may want to it’s considered a surgical procedure, so you may want to bring a pair of baby clippers with you to the hospital.bring a pair of baby clippers with you to the hospital.

To cut your baby's nails, push down on the finger's skin to To cut your baby's nails, push down on the finger's skin to pull the nail away from the skin as you cut. If you do nick pull the nail away from the skin as you cut. If you do nick baby's fingers, use a gauze pad to stop the bleeding. Tip: baby's fingers, use a gauze pad to stop the bleeding. Tip: Try to sneak in nail cutting while your baby is asleep.Try to sneak in nail cutting while your baby is asleep.

Diaper RashDiaper Rash

Diaper rash usually occurs in two stages:Diaper rash usually occurs in two stages:

Irritation:Irritation: This is usually caused from a combination This is usually caused from a combination of the moisture from the skin, urine and stool. of the moisture from the skin, urine and stool.

Yeast:Yeast: If the irritation gets bad enough (and any parent If the irritation gets bad enough (and any parent will tell you that it doesn't take much), the skin will will tell you that it doesn't take much), the skin will become contaminated, usually with a yeast.become contaminated, usually with a yeast.

To help control and treat diaper rashTo help control and treat diaper rash::

Reduce skin's exposure to irritants.Reduce skin's exposure to irritants.This is hard to do, especially in infants. Try changing the diaper This is hard to do, especially in infants. Try changing the diaper more often than you are used to. more often than you are used to.

Apply a liberal amount of a barrier ointment.Apply a liberal amount of a barrier ointment.This will protect the skin from urine and stool, which is very This will protect the skin from urine and stool, which is very helpful. I suggest using a thick zinc oxide ointment. Apply this helpful. I suggest using a thick zinc oxide ointment. Apply this with every diaper change when the skin appears irritated.with every diaper change when the skin appears irritated.

Watch for tell-tale signs of yeast infection.Watch for tell-tale signs of yeast infection.This type of infection usually looks like a large reddened patch This type of infection usually looks like a large reddened patch with much smaller "satellite" areas around it. When an infection with much smaller "satellite" areas around it. When an infection with yeast occurs, no amount of over-the-counter diaper rash with yeast occurs, no amount of over-the-counter diaper rash ointment will make it go away. An antifungal medication must ointment will make it go away. An antifungal medication must be used to kill the yeast. Generally, a yeast diaper rash goes be used to kill the yeast. Generally, a yeast diaper rash goes away after about seven days of antifungal medication.away after about seven days of antifungal medication.

Circumcision Care:Circumcision Care:

After your son's circumcision there will be either a visible After your son's circumcision there will be either a visible incision or a plastibell, which is a small plastic ring. Three or incision or a plastibell, which is a small plastic ring. Three or four times a day, you will need to clean the area with warm four times a day, you will need to clean the area with warm water. Soap is not necessary. water. Soap is not necessary.

At each diaper change, you will want to apply a small amount At each diaper change, you will want to apply a small amount of petroleum jelly. If your doctor sent you home with an of petroleum jelly. If your doctor sent you home with an antibiotic ointment you will want to use this as directed. antibiotic ointment you will want to use this as directed.

It takes about ten days for the scab over an incision to fall off, It takes about ten days for the scab over an incision to fall off, and about the same amount of time or a little longer for the and about the same amount of time or a little longer for the plastibell to fall off. After the scab or plastibell falls off, no plastibell to fall off. After the scab or plastibell falls off, no further care is needed outside of normal good hygiene. If the further care is needed outside of normal good hygiene. If the plastibell does not fall off after two weeks, contact your health plastibell does not fall off after two weeks, contact your health care provider. care provider.

Circumcision Care:Circumcision Care:

You will also want to call your health care provider if you You will also want to call your health care provider if you notice any of the following: notice any of the following:

– swelling swelling

– bleeding (other than just a drop or two) bleeding (other than just a drop or two)

– foul smelling discharge foul smelling discharge

– difficulty urinating difficulty urinating

– fever fever

– black or blue discoloration black or blue discoloration

– consistent redness that appears suddenly and does not consistent redness that appears suddenly and does not disappear after a fewdisappear after a few

Baby Cares:Baby Cares:

Cleaning the nose:Cleaning the nose:Don't use a cotton swab or rolled up tissue to clean Don't use a cotton swab or rolled up tissue to clean the inside of your baby's nose. If your baby is really the inside of your baby's nose. If your baby is really stuffy, suction out the mucus with a baby nasal stuffy, suction out the mucus with a baby nasal aspirator. Saline drops may soften the mucus first. aspirator. Saline drops may soften the mucus first. Cradle your baby or sit her up. Squeeze the bulb and Cradle your baby or sit her up. Squeeze the bulb and place the tip in one nostril. Release bulb and draw the place the tip in one nostril. Release bulb and draw the mucus out. Rinse the bulb and repeat.mucus out. Rinse the bulb and repeat.

Baby Cares:Baby Cares:

Temperature (underarm):Temperature (underarm):Ear thermometers are common today but are not very Ear thermometers are common today but are not very accurate for newborns. It's best to use a traditional accurate for newborns. It's best to use a traditional thermometer, left. When taking your baby's temperature, thermometer, left. When taking your baby's temperature, keep her entertained by singing or talking to her so she keep her entertained by singing or talking to her so she doesn't wiggle too much.doesn't wiggle too much.

Take off your baby's shirt. Carefully put the end of the Take off your baby's shirt. Carefully put the end of the thermometer into her armpit (make sure it is dry). Hold thermometer into her armpit (make sure it is dry). Hold your baby's arm over the thermometer and gently press her your baby's arm over the thermometer and gently press her elbow against her side. It may take four to five minutes for elbow against her side. It may take four to five minutes for a reading.a reading.

Baby Cares:Baby Cares:

Calling for helpCalling for help

– When in doubt, call When in doubt, call your doctor. Call your your doctor. Call your baby's doctor baby's doctor immediately if your immediately if your baby develops any of baby develops any of these symptoms:these symptoms:

• • Poor feedingPoor feeding

• Poor coloring• Poor coloring

• Listlessness• Listlessness • • Weak cryWeak cry

• Underarm temperature of at • Underarm temperature of at least 99.4 degrees Fleast 99.4 degrees F

• Unusual fussiness• Unusual fussiness

• Sleeping more than usual• Sleeping more than usual

• Vomiting or diarrhea• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Breathing problems• Breathing problems

4 Recommended Breastfeeding Positions4 Recommended Breastfeeding Positions

1. Cradle hold: 1. Cradle hold: – This is the way most of us envision nursing. You This is the way most of us envision nursing. You

cradle baby's head in the crook of your arm and cradle baby's head in the crook of your arm and use your other hand to support your breast. Baby's use your other hand to support your breast. Baby's face, tummy, and knees should be facing you and face, tummy, and knees should be facing you and leaning in toward you, and her head could be a bit leaning in toward you, and her head could be a bit higher than her body. The arm that's doing the higher than her body. The arm that's doing the cradling supports baby's neck, spine, and bottom.cradling supports baby's neck, spine, and bottom.

4 Recommended Breastfeeding Positions4 Recommended Breastfeeding Positions

2. Cross-cradle hold2. Cross-cradle hold– Instead of resting baby's head in the crook of your Instead of resting baby's head in the crook of your

arm, rest it in your palm, so that baby lies on your arm, rest it in your palm, so that baby lies on your right arm if you're using your left breast and vice right arm if you're using your left breast and vice versa. Again, her body should be directly facing versa. Again, her body should be directly facing and leaning into you. This is a great position for and leaning into you. This is a great position for newborns and babies who have latch-on trouble, newborns and babies who have latch-on trouble, because it's easier to move her to your breast.because it's easier to move her to your breast.

4 Recommended Breastfeeding Positions4 Recommended Breastfeeding Positions

3. Football hold3. Football hold– The funny name gives you the idea that you keep baby The funny name gives you the idea that you keep baby

tucked against your side, not your tummy. She rests on tucked against your side, not your tummy. She rests on a pillow and your armpit goes over her body so your a pillow and your armpit goes over her body so your arm can reach under and support her neck and spine. arm can reach under and support her neck and spine. This is a great hold for babies who have latch-on This is a great hold for babies who have latch-on trouble and for moms who have had c-sections. trouble and for moms who have had c-sections. Because you may need to lean over a bit for this one, Because you may need to lean over a bit for this one, experts also say it's a good hold for women with large experts also say it's a good hold for women with large breasts or flat nipples -- gravity helps make the breasts breasts or flat nipples -- gravity helps make the breasts easier to catch hold of.easier to catch hold of.

4 Recommended Breastfeeding Positions4 Recommended Breastfeeding Positions 4. Lying down4. Lying down

– You're tired, baby's tired -- sometimes it's easiest You're tired, baby's tired -- sometimes it's easiest to nurse in bed. Lie on your side and support your to nurse in bed. Lie on your side and support your neck and back with pillows. Put a pillow between neck and back with pillows. Put a pillow between your legs, too, if it helps keep your hips and back your legs, too, if it helps keep your hips and back in a straight line. Cradle baby's head on your in a straight line. Cradle baby's head on your bottom arm. If you need to, put a pillow under bottom arm. If you need to, put a pillow under baby, too, so neither of you has to strain. Then lean baby, too, so neither of you has to strain. Then lean over to breastfeed -- some women use the breast over to breastfeed -- some women use the breast that's on the bottom, but some women give baby that's on the bottom, but some women give baby that breast that's on the top. Another way to get that breast that's on the top. Another way to get into this position: Sit back in bed and get baby into this position: Sit back in bed and get baby latched on while she's on top of you, then roll to latched on while she's on top of you, then roll to your side, holding onto baby the whole time.your side, holding onto baby the whole time.

7 Tips for Getting Baby 7 Tips for Getting Baby

Latched On to the BreastLatched On to the Breast 1. 1. Hold her the right way.Hold her the right way. Nurses or a lactation Nurses or a lactation

consultant in the hospital can help you.consultant in the hospital can help you.

2. 2. Lift your breast with your free hand.Lift your breast with your free hand. Especially in Especially in the first weeks, your breast will be so heavy that you'll the first weeks, your breast will be so heavy that you'll have to support it with your fingers. Holding it also helps have to support it with your fingers. Holding it also helps you guide baby to it. you guide baby to it.

3. 3. Hold your baby's back and neck with your other Hold your baby's back and neck with your other hand.hand. Supporting those, rather than her head, will allow Supporting those, rather than her head, will allow you to lift her easily.you to lift her easily.

7 Tips for Getting Baby 7 Tips for Getting Baby Latched On to the BreastLatched On to the Breast

4. 4. Get her to open wide.Get her to open wide. You need baby to take half or You need baby to take half or more of the areola (the dark part around your nipple) into more of the areola (the dark part around your nipple) into her mouth. Try tickling her cheek or lower lip with your her mouth. Try tickling her cheek or lower lip with your nipple, then waiting for her to open as wide as a yawn. nipple, then waiting for her to open as wide as a yawn.

5. Pull her to you quickly.5. Pull her to you quickly. Once baby's mouth is open, Once baby's mouth is open, you need to get her on the breast fast, before she begins to you need to get her on the breast fast, before she begins to close down. But don't bend down to her -- she'll get a close down. But don't bend down to her -- she'll get a better hold if you lift her to you. The hardest part: Getting better hold if you lift her to you. The hardest part: Getting used to moving her with confidence. You don't need to used to moving her with confidence. You don't need to use force, of course, but you'll help her if you put her on use force, of course, but you'll help her if you put her on gently but firmly. Her chin should press into your breast.gently but firmly. Her chin should press into your breast.

7 Tips for Getting Baby 7 Tips for Getting Baby Latched On to the BreastLatched On to the Breast

6. 6. Check her mouth's position.Check her mouth's position. Her lips should splay Her lips should splay out, and you shouldn't be able to see much if any of your out, and you shouldn't be able to see much if any of your areola.areola.

7. 7. Relax and breathe.Relax and breathe. This is more for you than the This is more for you than the baby. In the beginning, you may find yourself sitting baby. In the beginning, you may find yourself sitting stiffly, hunching your shoulders, and leaning over too far, stiffly, hunching your shoulders, and leaning over too far, which strains your lower back. Practice breathing slowly, which strains your lower back. Practice breathing slowly, relaxing your shoulders, and sitting back into the chair as relaxing your shoulders, and sitting back into the chair as much as you can.much as you can.

PacifiersPacifiers

Personal choice to use/not to usePersonal choice to use/not to use Sometimes confusing for baby, Sometimes confusing for baby,

my disrupt supply and demand my disrupt supply and demand of mother’s milk supplyof mother’s milk supply

Babies with pacifiers found not Babies with pacifiers found not to nurse as longto nurse as long

Need to satisfy suck, if not Need to satisfy suck, if not pacifier then nursing or sucking pacifier then nursing or sucking on hands or fingers/thumbs.on hands or fingers/thumbs.

SIDSSIDS

SIDSSIDS is the diagnosis for the sudden death of a baby is the diagnosis for the sudden death of a baby under one year of age that remains unexplainedunder one year of age that remains unexplained

In most cases, a parent or caregiver places the baby In most cases, a parent or caregiver places the baby down to sleep and returns later to find the baby has down to sleep and returns later to find the baby has died. It’s no one’s fault. SIDS can happen even when died. It’s no one’s fault. SIDS can happen even when

you do everything right.you do everything right.

What can you do to lower your baby's risk of SIDS?What can you do to lower your baby's risk of SIDS?

The most important thing you can do is to The most important thing you can do is to alwaysalways place place your baby to sleep on his or her back rather than on the your baby to sleep on his or her back rather than on the stomach or side. stomach or side.

Don't smoke while you are pregnant. Also, do not let anyone Don't smoke while you are pregnant. Also, do not let anyone smoke around your baby after he or she is born. smoke around your baby after he or she is born.

For the first 6 months, have your baby sleep in a crib in the For the first 6 months, have your baby sleep in a crib in the same room where you sleep. same room where you sleep.

Make sure the baby sleeps on a firm mattress (with a fitted Make sure the baby sleeps on a firm mattress (with a fitted sheet). sheet).

Don't put anything in the crib that a baby can pull over his or Don't put anything in the crib that a baby can pull over his or her head, such as blankets, comforters, stuffed toys, or her head, such as blankets, comforters, stuffed toys, or pillows. pillows.

If you use bumper pads, use ones that are thin and firm, and If you use bumper pads, use ones that are thin and firm, and make sure they are attached tightly to the crib. make sure they are attached tightly to the crib.

Keep the room warm enough so that your baby can sleep in Keep the room warm enough so that your baby can sleep in lightweight clothes without a blanket.lightweight clothes without a blanket.

Consider offering your baby a pacifier at nap time and Consider offering your baby a pacifier at nap time and bedtime. This may help prevent SIDS, though experts do not bedtime. This may help prevent SIDS, though experts do not know why. know why.

Back to SleepBack to SleepTummy to PlayTummy to Play

Poison control at home:Poison control at home:Keep these products in locked cupboards Keep these products in locked cupboards or out of children's reach.or out of children's reach.

In the Bathroom:In the Bathroom: Aspirin, other medicines, Aspirin, other medicines, Makeup, Deodorants, Perfume, Disinfectants, Rubbing Makeup, Deodorants, Perfume, Disinfectants, Rubbing alcohol, Hair care products, Toilet bowl cleaner alcohol, Hair care products, Toilet bowl cleaner 

In the garage or basement:In the garage or basement: Antifreeze, Motor oil, Gasoline,  Antifreeze, Motor oil, Gasoline, Kerosene, Charcoal lighter, Mouse or rat poison, Garden Kerosene, Charcoal lighter, Mouse or rat poison, Garden chemicals, Paints, Pant thinnerschemicals, Paints, Pant thinners  

In the kitchen:In the kitchen: Aerosol spray, Laundry/dishwasher detergents,  Aerosol spray, Laundry/dishwasher detergents, Bleach, Vitamins, Medicines, Drain cleaner, Other cleaning Bleach, Vitamins, Medicines, Drain cleaner, Other cleaning supplies supplies 

All over the house:All over the house: Alcohol, Lead paint (furniture, toys,  Alcohol, Lead paint (furniture, toys, walls) Cigarettes, Plantswalls) Cigarettes, Plants

Be sure that you...Be sure that you... DON'TDON'T keep kerosene, gasoline, or similar products in pop cans or keep kerosene, gasoline, or similar products in pop cans or milk bottles. Store food and non-food items separately.milk bottles. Store food and non-food items separately.

NEVERNEVER use insect sprays around food.use insect sprays around food.

NEVERNEVER tell a child that medicine is "candy" or that it tastes good. tell a child that medicine is "candy" or that it tastes good.

KEEPKEEP medicines, cleaning products, and other poisonous medicines, cleaning products, and other poisonous household products in original containers and in locked cupboards. household products in original containers and in locked cupboards. Inexpensive safety latches are readily available at hardware and Inexpensive safety latches are readily available at hardware and department stores.department stores.

ONLYONLY give a prescription drug to the person it was prescribed for give a prescription drug to the person it was prescribed for by the doctor. Dispose of outdated medicines promptly.by the doctor. Dispose of outdated medicines promptly.

Be sure that you...Be sure that you...

CHECKCHECK all painted furniture and toys to be sure they have all painted furniture and toys to be sure they have non-toxic finishes. Look at labels.non-toxic finishes. Look at labels.

BUYBUY products in child-resistant containers and replace caps products in child-resistant containers and replace caps tightly.tightly.

KEEPKEEP purses out of reach. Avoid carrying medicine, purses out of reach. Avoid carrying medicine, vitamins, cigarettes, and perfume in handbags.vitamins, cigarettes, and perfume in handbags.

CHOOSECHOOSE safe plants, labeled with botanical name, and keep safe plants, labeled with botanical name, and keep out of children's reach.out of children's reach.

  Never leave your child alone with a poison, even for a few Never leave your child alone with a poison, even for a few seconds.seconds.

CPR CPR = life saving knowledge= life saving knowledge

The letters in CPR stand for The letters in CPR stand for cardiopulmonary cardiopulmonary resuscitationresuscitation, a combination of rescue breathing (mouth-, a combination of rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth resuscitation) and chest compressions. If a child to-mouth resuscitation) and chest compressions. If a child isn't breathing or circulating blood adequately, CPR can isn't breathing or circulating blood adequately, CPR can restore circulation of oxygen-rich blood to the brain. restore circulation of oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Without oxygen, permanent brain damage or death can Without oxygen, permanent brain damage or death can occur in less than 8 minutes.occur in less than 8 minutes.

Call Call 963-WELL963-WELL for class date & times offered through for class date & times offered through CSM campuses or call the Red Cross or American Heart CSM campuses or call the Red Cross or American Heart Association.Association.

When a baby is vigorously shaken, the head moves When a baby is vigorously shaken, the head moves back and forth. This sudden whiplash motion can back and forth. This sudden whiplash motion can cause bleeding inside the head and increased pressure cause bleeding inside the head and increased pressure on the brain, causing the brain to pull apart and on the brain, causing the brain to pull apart and

resulting in injury to the baby.resulting in injury to the baby.

Babies are fragile. Babies are fragile. Please don't shake a child.Please don't shake a child.

If you or someone else shakes a baby, either If you or someone else shakes a baby, either accidentally or on purpose, accidentally or on purpose, call 911 or take the child call 911 or take the child to the emergency room immediatelyto the emergency room immediately. Bleeding in . Bleeding in side the brain can be treated. Immediate medical side the brain can be treated. Immediate medical attention will save your baby many future attention will save your baby many future problems . . . and possibly the baby's life.problems . . . and possibly the baby's life.

Crying & Comfort NeedsCrying & Comfort Needs

Caring for Your Newborn: Routine cares- Crying and Caring for Your Newborn: Routine cares- Crying and Emotional Needs, Soothing Your Baby (pg 25), Emotional Needs, Soothing Your Baby (pg 25), Crying & Colic (pg 38), Your Newborn’s Senses (pg Crying & Colic (pg 38), Your Newborn’s Senses (pg 12), Your baby’s cues and Reflexes (pg 13), Bonding 12), Your baby’s cues and Reflexes (pg 13), Bonding with Your Baby (pg 8).with Your Baby (pg 8).

Car Safety Seats:Car Safety Seats: Which car safety seat is the best?Which car safety seat is the best?

No one seat is the "best" or "safest." The "best" seat is the one No one seat is the "best" or "safest." The "best" seat is the one that fits your child's size, is correctly installed, and is used that fits your child's size, is correctly installed, and is used properly every time you drive. When shopping for a car safety properly every time you drive. When shopping for a car safety seat, keep the following in mind: seat, keep the following in mind:

Price doesn't always matter. Higher prices can mean added Price doesn't always matter. Higher prices can mean added features that may or may not make the seat easier to use. features that may or may not make the seat easier to use.

Keep in mind that pictures or displays of car safety seats in Keep in mind that pictures or displays of car safety seats in stores may not show them being used the right way. stores may not show them being used the right way.

Important safety rulesImportant safety rules

1.1. Always use a car safety seat, starting with your baby's Always use a car safety seat, starting with your baby's first ride home from the hospital. first ride home from the hospital.

2.2. Never place a child in a rear-facing car safety seat in the Never place a child in a rear-facing car safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle that has an airbag. front seat of a vehicle that has an airbag.

3.3. The safest place for all children to ride is in the back The safest place for all children to ride is in the back seat. seat.

4.4. Set a good example-always wear your seat belt. Help Set a good example-always wear your seat belt. Help your child form a lifelong habit of buckling up. your child form a lifelong habit of buckling up.

5.5. Remember that each car safety seat is different. Read and Remember that each car safety seat is different. Read and keep the instructions that came with your seat. keep the instructions that came with your seat.

6.6. Read the owner's manual that came with your car on how Read the owner's manual that came with your car on how to correctly install car safety seats.to correctly install car safety seats.

Rear-facing seatsRear-facing seats

All infants should ride rear-facing until they have reached All infants should ride rear-facing until they have reached at least at least 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds1 year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds. . That means that if your baby reaches 20 pounds before That means that if your baby reaches 20 pounds before her first birthday, she should remain rear-facing until she her first birthday, she should remain rear-facing until she turns 1 year old. turns 1 year old.

There are 2 types of rear-facing seats: infant-only seats There are 2 types of rear-facing seats: infant-only seats

and convertible seats.and convertible seats.

Infant-only seats may be used until 1 year oldInfant-only seats may be used until 1 year old.. Small and portable (sometimes come as part of a stroller Small and portable (sometimes come as part of a stroller

system). system).

Have a 3-point or 5-point harness. Have a 3-point or 5-point harness.

Can only be used for infants up to 20 to 22 pounds, Can only be used for infants up to 20 to 22 pounds, depending on the model. depending on the model.

Many come with a detachable base, which can be left in Many come with a detachable base, which can be left in the car. The seat clicks in and out of the base, which the car. The seat clicks in and out of the base, which means you don't have to install it each time you use it. means you don't have to install it each time you use it.

Most have carrying handles. Most have carrying handles.

Convertible seatsConvertible seats Bigger than infant-only seats. Bigger than infant-only seats.

Can also be used forward-facing for older and larger Can also be used forward-facing for older and larger children, therefore these seats can be used longer. children, therefore these seats can be used longer.

Many have higher rear-facing weight limits than infant Many have higher rear-facing weight limits than infant only seats. These are ideal for bigger babies. only seats. These are ideal for bigger babies.

Have the following types of harnesses:  Have the following types of harnesses:  – - - 5-point harness5-point harness - 5 straps: 2 at the shoulders, 2 at the hips, - 5 straps: 2 at the shoulders, 2 at the hips,

   1 at the crotch   1 at the crotch -  - T-shieldT-shield - A padded t-shaped or triangle-shaped shield - A padded t-shaped or triangle-shaped shield   attached to the shoulder straps   attached to the shoulder straps -  - Overhead shieldOverhead shield - A padded tray-like shield that - A padded tray-like shield that swings down around the childswings down around the child

Other features to look for in rear-facing seats:Other features to look for in rear-facing seats:

Harness slots.Harness slots. Look for seats that come with more than Look for seats that come with more than one set of harness slots to give your growing baby more one set of harness slots to give your growing baby more room. The harness should be in the slots at or below your room. The harness should be in the slots at or below your baby's shoulders. Check the manufacturer's instructions to baby's shoulders. Check the manufacturer's instructions to be sure. be sure.

Adjustable buckles and shields.Adjustable buckles and shields. Many rear-facing seats Many rear-facing seats have 2 or more buckle positions for growing babies. have 2 or more buckle positions for growing babies. Many overhead shields can be adjusted as well. Many overhead shields can be adjusted as well.

Other features.Other features. Angle indicators, built-in angle adjusters Angle indicators, built-in angle adjusters that help you get the proper recline, and head support that help you get the proper recline, and head support systems are other features that are made to help you systems are other features that are made to help you install the seat the right way.install the seat the right way.

Do not use a car safety seat that:Do not use a car safety seat that: - - Is too old.Is too old. Look on the label for the date it was made. Do Look on the label for the date it was made. Do

not use seats that are more than 10 years old. Some not use seats that are more than 10 years old. Some manufacturers recommend that car safety seats only be used manufacturers recommend that car safety seats only be used for 5 to 6 years. Check with the manufacturer to find out for 5 to 6 years. Check with the manufacturer to find out how long the company recommends using their seat.how long the company recommends using their seat.

- - Has any cracks in the frame of the seat.Has any cracks in the frame of the seat.

- - Does not have a label with the date of manufacture and Does not have a label with the date of manufacture and model number.model number. Without these, you cannot check on recalls. Without these, you cannot check on recalls.

- - Does not come with instructions.Does not come with instructions. You need them to know You need them to know how to use the seat. You can get a copy of the instruction how to use the seat. You can get a copy of the instruction manual by contacting the manufacturer.manual by contacting the manufacturer.

Do not use a car safety seat that:Do not use a car safety seat that:

-Is missing parts.-Is missing parts. Used car safety seats often come Used car safety seats often come without important parts. Check with the manufacturer to without important parts. Check with the manufacturer to make sure you can get the right parts.make sure you can get the right parts.

- - Is a shield booster.Is a shield booster. Although shield boosters may meet Although shield boosters may meet current safety standards for use by children from 30 to 40 current safety standards for use by children from 30 to 40 pounds, the AAP does not recommend their use. Major pounds, the AAP does not recommend their use. Major injuries have occurred to children in shield boosters. The injuries have occurred to children in shield boosters. The only time shield boosters should be used is if the shield is only time shield boosters should be used is if the shield is removed and the seat is used with a lap/shoulder belt as a removed and the seat is used with a lap/shoulder belt as a belt-positioning booster.belt-positioning booster.

- - Was recalled.Was recalled. You can find out by calling the You can find out by calling the manufacturer or contacting the following:     manufacturer or contacting the following:     -- -- Auto Auto Safety Hot LineSafety Hot Line 888/DASH-2-DOT (888/327-4236), 888/DASH-2-DOT (888/327-4236), from from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm ET, Monday through Friday.8:00 am to 10:00 pm ET, Monday through Friday.

Thank You! Enjoy you babies…Thank You! Enjoy you babies…Time will pass so quickly and they’ll be grown Time will pass so quickly and they’ll be grown

before you know it!before you know it!