You can go through a wad of cash as a first-time parent trying to sort out the must-haves, want-to-haves, and what-to-avoids when buying for your newborn. Some purchases don't need to be made at all-like brand name toys or clothes. Some purchases are optional-like a mobile over the crib. Other purchases are absolute must-haves, and some are strictly regulated to ensure your baby is well protected. A car seat and your baby's crib are perhaps two of the most important purchases you'll make for your little one, so be sure to do your homework before you buy.
Car crashes are the number one cause of death for children, so a baby car seat is a purchase not to be lightly made. They are considered so important that you can attend a car seat clinic to be sure yours is installed properly. When you do buy, here are some key considerations:
* Car seats are specifically designed to carry children of a certain size and weight. * Do not put your child in a seat that is either too big or too small. Newborns do not use the same seat as, say, a 2-year old. * As your child outgrows a car seat, a new seat must be purchased for their continued safety. * Always follow the manufacturer's height and weight guidelines when buying your car seat, and read installation instructions carefully. * For newborns, car seats are installed facing the seat. * Consider attending a car seat clinic to be sure your baby's seat is properly installed.
Transport Canada has terrific advice and information on baby and child seats. You can contact Transport Canada at 1-800-333-0371, or by email at roadsafetywebmail@tc.gc.ca.
Your baby's crib is another critical consideration, and new parents may want to do some serious research before buying their child's first. Here are some pointers:
* Health Canada warns that cribs made before 1986 do not meet current safety standards and cannot be bought or sold or even advertised for sale. Be sure that, if you buy a used crib, the original labels and dates are intact, and that the crib is dated later than 1986. * Second, Health Canada also recommends that bumper pads should not be placed in your baby's crib, nor should toys or other soft items be put in the crib. * Third, the mattress should fit snugly on all sides to keep your child from slipping between the mattress and the crib bars. Worn out mattresses should be immediately replaced. * Fourth, be sure that the crib is securely put together. Lock the sides of your child's crib in place when you put your baby in it. * Finally, keep your baby's crib well away from windows, electric sockets, cords, or any other source of potential danger.
For more information, contact Health Canada at 613-952-1014, or by email at cps-spc@hc-sc.gc.ca.
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