PSY FPX 7220 Assessment 2 The Top Things Not to Do When You are Expecting a Baby

PSY FPX 7220 Assessment 2 The Top Things Not to Do When You are Expecting a Baby

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Capella University

PSY FPX 7220 Child Psychology

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The Top Things Not to Do When You Are Expecting a Baby

• According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), there is no safe amount or type of alcohol to consume during pregnancy. Exposing your child to alcohol while pregnant can result in fetal alcohol syndrome and various other birth defects, which often lead to lifelong challenges for your child. Consider whether the risk is worth it before taking that sip.

• Avoid smoking during pregnancy and refrain from spending time around others who smoke. Secondhand smoke can be harmful to the baby’s growth and development, even in utero. This includes tobacco, THC, and vaping products. THC use during pregnancy can adversely affect the baby, as the chemicals pass through your system and into the baby, potentially impacting development and leading to defects.

• Never shake your baby. Infants are extremely fragile, and shaking them even once can cause permanent damage. This condition is known as Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), which occurs when an infant is violently shaken or experiences head trauma. Most incidents of SBS involve the infant being violently shaken or thrown into a crib or another surface. SBS can result in whiplash, brain bleeds, seizures, retinal bleeding, paralysis, and even death.

• Do not leave your child unattended in the bathtub for any reason, even if they can sit up on their own. The child is at risk of slipping or sliding, which could lead to a head injury, drowning, or even death.

• Ensure your child is not in harm’s way by “baby-proofing” your home. This includes using electric socket covers, baby gates, cabinet locks, and other safety measures. These precautions protect the child from potentially dangerous situations and help prevent messes created by curious little ones.

PSY FPX 7220 Assessment 2 The Top Things Not to Do When You are Expecting a Baby

• Avoid placing anything in the crib with your child. Your baby should sleep in a crib alone, on their back, without any bumpers, pillows, stuffed animals, or blankets. A cluttered crib is a leading cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Babies lack the strength or awareness to prevent suffocation if any of these items become wrapped around them or cover their faces. Additionally, do not co-sleep with your baby, as this increases the risk of rolling over onto the infant and suffocating them while you sleep.

• Do not expose yourself to a negative environment during pregnancy or after the birth of your child. It is essential to create a relaxing and calming atmosphere throughout your pregnancy. Being surrounded by violence or loud arguments is unhealthy for the baby. Negative interactions can cause stress for both the mother and the baby. The mother should strive to remain calm and relaxed to provide a safe environment for the baby to grow and develop.

• Avoid placing your infant in a jumper, swing, or other stationary activity for extended periods. Babies require stimulation, and confining them to one activity for too long does not allow their brains to develop or their muscles to strengthen. Encourage your baby to play on the floor, move their limbs, and explore their surroundings.

• Do not remain sedentary. Exercise is just as important during pregnancy as it is before conception. While it is essential not to overexert yourself, staying active and engaging in some form of physical activity during your pregnancy is recommended. Many pregnant women find yoga to be a beneficial exercise option as well as a calming method.

• Never leave your baby in a hot car. This is one of the leading causes of death in children and infants. Cars can heat up quickly on a hot summer day, and when an infant is left inside, they can suffocate from the heat and have no means of escape. This is unfair to the child. If you need to run into a store, take your baby with you.

References

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Healthy children. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Car-Safety-Seats-Information-for-Families.aspx

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Child development. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/

PSY FPX 7220 Assessment 2 The Top Things Not to Do When You are Expecting a Baby

Department of Health. (2015). Why is breastfeeding important for your baby? Retrieved from https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic/breastfeeding/importance.htm