Wyoming WIC

Baby on the Move: Safety Matters

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July 6, 2022 Infant

As your baby nears their six-month “birthday”, they will begin crawling, playing with toys, and eating solid foods. Reaching new milestones can be fun for both of you, but can also expose your baby to new dangers in the home. Here are some tips to keep your baby safe as they start to get on the move!

Baby Proof Your Home

  • ✓ View the world from their level. Crawl around on the floor where your baby will crawl. Looking from your baby’s level can help you find items that could be dangerous. Babies aren’t picky about what they put in their mouth — chipped paint, coins and even bugs! So, check every corner of the floor as well as tables and shelves that baby will soon be able to ‘pull up’ to.
  • ✓ Cover electrical outlets with outlet covers. Keep electrical cords and cords on window blinds out of your baby’s reach.
  • ✓ Put child safety locks on cabinets that contain dangerous or breakable items. Some moms reserve a lower cabinet away from the stove just for baby. Fill it with baby-friendly kitchen “toys” like wooden spoons, plastic bowls and measuring cups.
  • ✓ Before buying or using any previously used toys, furniture, or equipment for your baby, check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website www.cpsc.gov for any recalls.

Keep Your Baby from Choking

  • ✓ Keep small objects like hard candies, coins, small toys, and items that could break into pieces out of your baby’s reach.
  • ✓ When your baby begins to eat solid foods, make sure they are soft and cut into very small pieces. Give your baby small amounts of food at one time and make sure they always sit upright while eating.
  • ✓ Never leave your baby alone while they are eating. A choking baby may not be able to cry or cough, so you can’t rely on hearing them to let you know they are choking and need help.

Install this web app on your iPhone: tap ios-share and then Add to Home Screen.

SIDE-LYING HOLD

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CROSS-CRADLE HOLD

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CLUTCH OR “FOOTBALL” HOLD

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CRADLE HOLD

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Laid-Back Hold

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position