Newborn Safety Considerations

Please consider any changes or options with your medical team and your baby’s pediatrician prior to implementing; we do hope these offer some added support to you and your new little one.

1) Postpartum hormone changes and fluid shifts can put you at risk for unexpected syncope (Kanjwal et al., 2009). Individuals with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) may be at higher risk for unexpected syncope postpartum as well (Kanjwal et al., 2009). If you have noticed that your POTS symptoms are worsening it is especially important you reach out to your POTS provider. You and your provider can discuss proper medication management changes for your specific situation (Kanjwal et al., 2009).  Fainting in the postpartum period can be especially dangerous for you and your baby (Kanjwal et al., 2009). It is vital you have a plan prior to discharge from the hospital to help reduce risks of syncope, ensure you have backup help if possible, and have your home environment set up in the most optimal way to provide a safe environment for you and your baby at home.

2) Babies will cry out and it is natural to want to get up quickly and go to them. It is important to remember that it is ok to take your time getting up to your baby if need be. As long as your baby is safe, please take your time getting up. Having your baby within arms reach, like having a bedside bassinet, is also a good way to help prevent this urge to quickly get up and rush to your baby.

3) A bedside bassinet to help you easily reach your baby is important to consider as a safe sleeping option. Per the AAP recommendations it is best to room share but not bed share with your baby to prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A bedside bassinet that can be kept at the bedside but is a completely separate sleeping environment, with its own firm mattress, without any blankets, pillows or stuffed animals, is safest for your baby.

Please click here for the best and most up to date information on safe sleeping arrangements for your infant.

Please click here to check and ensure your infants crib or bassinet has not been involved in a recent recall.

Please click here for a list of bedside bassinets that meet CPSC standards.

We do NOT recommend letting your infant sleep in an environment other than a crib or a bassinet as per the AAP guidelines.

4) You may need to have someone else at home with you to assist with your newborn. We understand that some options may not be available to you, but the following are a few to consider: family that can spend time with you during the day, friends who can visit to help, having a postpartum doula, considering a night nurse, considering a babysitter, and/or considering a nanny. All of these can be great options if they are available to you and financially feasible.

5) It is helpful to create stations near where you sit/spend most of your time that have the essentials for you and your baby. Have diapers, wipes, extra baby clothing, burp clothes, blankets for the baby, as a few examples. 

If formula feeding, include a can of formula and some bottled water. 

If breast feeding, consider getting one of the mini fridges and a thermometer to store breast milk (thermometer to ensure temperature remains safe). You can even get fridges small enough to sit on a bedside table now (see Helpful Items section). Consider having a bottle warmer, bottles of water and electrolyte powder or drink of choice within reach. Also consider having healthy salty snacks within arms reach (if you are breast feeding, you will need to up your calorie intake). 

If pumping, have your whole pump set up on the cart/station. Consider getting the microwave sanitation bags for bottles and pump parts and get more than one set of pump parts so you have them throughout the house where you set yourself up (one for bedroom and one for couch as one example).

6) Do not be afraid to use your mobility aids. Do make sure you are getting blood circulating as this can help your POTS. If you need to stay in bed make sure you are doing ankle pumps, calf squeezes, sitting on the side of the bed, etc to keep that blood flowing, considering what is recommended by your providers. Also consider working with a physical therapist to ensure you are not losing strength or are slowly working on regaining your strength as needed.

Written by: Mallory Stanislawczyk, CRNP, Pediatric Advisor