- To avoid burns, don’t carry or drink hot liquids such as coffee near the baby. Turn the water heater down to a temperature of 120°F (49°C) or below.
- Don’t smoke or allow others to smoke near the baby. If you or other family members smoke, do so outdoors and never around the baby.
- It’s usually fine to take a newborn out of the house. But avoid confined, crowded places where germs can spread. You may invite visitors to your home to see your baby, as long as they are not sick.
- When you do take the baby outside, avoid staying too long in direct sunlight. Keep the baby covered or seek out the shade.
- In the car, always put the baby in a rear-facing car seat. This should be secured in the back seat, according to the car seat’s directions. Never leave your baby alone in the car.
- Do not leave your baby on a high surface, such as a table, bed, or couch. He or she could fall and get hurt.
- Older siblings will likely want to hold, play with, and get to know the baby. This is fine as long as an adult supervises.
Call your healthcare provider right away if your baby has a fever.
