How to Protect Your Baby's Head

Invest a few minutes in learning how to protect your baby's head from injury and it will help you safeguard your child from potential lifelong health issues.

Instructions

: Consult your doctor for care and treatment advice if your baby has suffered a head injury.
Step 1: Know the cause Know that falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in children from birth to age 4.
Step 2: Prevent falls Prevent falls to protect your baby's head by never leaving them alone on a changing table, bed, chair, or other elevated surface.
TIP: Place your baby in a playpen, crib, or on the floor if you are going to leave the room.
Step 3: Avoid using walkers Don't use baby walkers, which are a common cause of falls leading to head injuries. Instead, get a stationary activity center, which has some of the same toys as a walker, but is safer.
Step 4: Use a car safety seat Purchase a car seat suitable for the infant's age and weight to protect your baby's head from injury while driving. Properly install your car safety seat, following package directions.
TIP: Always use a seat belt to secure a baby in a shopping cart.
Step 5: Prevent shaken baby syndrome Prevent shaken baby syndrome, a potentially fatal brain injury caused by violent shaking, by learning positive ways to manage infant crying.
Step 6: Inform others Inform sitters of the ways you wish them to safeguard your baby, and keep your pediatrician's phone number handy. Now you can rest, knowing you're prepared for a head injury emergency.
FACT: Shaken baby syndrome is the cause of 95 percent of serious head injuries in infants younger than 12 months.