*I was sent HALO products in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.
When I look back at some of my baby pictures I’m sometimes shocked by how much things have changed. Seeing the contraptions that were my car seat and baby walker is pretty crazy. I wore a “baby ring” on one of my fingers, my mom now wears it on a necklace and I can’t believe how tiny it was. I doubt that any jewelry manufacturers even make rings that small now, I certainly can’t see anyone putting them on a baby because they would be considered a choking hazard now. I know that my parents were good parents and did what they thought was right, and everything they did was well within the range of normal parenting at the time. It’s funny how much habits, fashions and trends can change in a decade or two. When it comes to changes in parenting, they usually are much more than just ‘trends’ though – the changes typically stem from advances in technology or research that help us discover new, safer options for kids.
The old way:
The new way:
September is baby sleep safety month and HALO is a brand who is all about educating parents on the safest sleep practices for babies. They are well-known for their sleepsacks which allow babies to stay warm at night without needing a blanket because we now know that it’s safer for babies to NOT sleep with blankets. HALO put together a neat infographic showing several of the ways that parenting has changed in the past 25 to 30 years.
HALO understands that many modern parents are aware of the most recent recommendations for keeping baby safe while sleeping and while in the car. Yet, most babies spend some time with grandparents, aunts/uncles, or babysitters. When those caretakers aren’t up to date on the safest practices for kids, that can put baby at risk. Grandparents are a particular concern because they often care for their grandchildren regularly, but are sometimes stuck in their own way of parenting that is now outdated or even viewed as dangerous. It’s common for grandparents to look at a baby in a crib without any soft items and no blankets and think it looks strangely bare, but this is the recommended way for baby to sleep.
To help bridge the gap between the parenting changes over the past few decades and educate grandparents on the safest ways to care for their grandchildren, First Candle has created GrandParentTips.org. The site just launched this week and aims to help get grandparents up-to-date on safe sleep practices for baby and other childcare advice and help. They offer a free e-book titled Grandparent’s Guide to a Safe Sleep Over which is available for download.
If you currently watch little ones and aren’t up to date on current safe sleeping guidelines, here are a few from HALO:
- Place baby to sleep on his or her back at naptime and at night time.
- Use a crib that meets current safety standards with a firm mattress that fits snugly and is covered with only a tight-fitting crib sheet.
- Remove all blankets, comforters and toys from your baby’s sleep area (this includes loose blankets, bumpers, pillows and positioners). The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests using a wearable blanket instead of loose blankets to keep your baby warm.
- Offer a pacifier when putting baby to sleep. If breastfeeding, introduce pacifier after one month or after breastfeeding has been established.
- Breastfeed, if possible, but when finished, put your baby back to sleep in his or her separate safe sleep area alongside your bed.
- Room share, but don’t bed share. Bed sharing can put a child at risk of suffocation.
- Never put your baby to sleep on any soft surface (adult beds, sofas, chairs, water beds, quilts, sheep skins etc.)
- Never dress your baby too warmly for sleep; keep room temperature 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Never allow anyone to smoke around your baby or take your baby into a room or car where someone has recently smoked.
Win it: Winners choice of either a SleepSack (pictured left) or SleepSwaddle (pictured right) from HALO! Winner can choose a size and gender but the specific print/design will be chosen by the sponsor. Giveaway will end at 11:59pm EST on 9/28/2015. Giveaway is open to the US.
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Hi there! I am Emily Evert, the owner of Emily Reviews. I am 28 and live in a small town in Michigan with my boyfriend Ryan and our two pugs. I have a large family and I adore my nieces and nephews. I love reading memoirs, and learning about child development and psychology. I love watching The Game of Thrones, Teen Mom, Sister Wives and Veep. I like listening to Jason Isbell, John Prine, and other alt-country or Americana music. I created Emily Reviews as a creative outlet to share my life and the products that I love with others.
This post currently has 5 responses.
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Michele L
I think the Grandparent tips are great. The first article is PARENTING THEN & NOW: HOW CHILDREN’S SAFETY HAS CHANGED SINCE YOU WERE A PARENT and that is so true! Some older people think things should be done like “the good ol’ days” and that is definitely not true when it comes to safety.
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Laura
I didn’t realize that early car seats weren’t designed for safety reasons, but rather to just keep the child in their seat. Crazy!
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jeanette sheets
i ound the infant safety tip s very useful
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karenb
I was very impressed with the Grandparents site, you see we lost our only son last year and 4 months after his death found out through DNA that we have a grandson. We do have another grandchild but she is 16 years old. My hubby and I are really learning all over again because our little Andrew is only 1-1/2 years old now, I was amazed to learn especially about the car seat and the clothing issue when it gets cold, I will definitely take blankets along to cover him up, thanks for listening and thanks for a fantastic giveaway.
I had never heard of dry drowning before.