A New Beginning

Preventing Infections

dangerous — and even fatal — for baby. Avoid kissing and direct face-to-face contact with your baby if you or your partner have a cold sore. Wash your hands frequently. Wear a mask. Visitors with cold sores or who have had a cold sore during the past week should be discouraged from visiting, but if they do, should not hold baby.

Newborns are vulnerable to infections because they have not had any previous exposure to germs to boost their immune system. They can become seriously ill from infections that are minor for an older child or adult. SCAN + PLAY

Reduce the risk of your baby getting an infection: • Limit who visits and holds the baby. • Ask visitors who do not feel well or who have been exposed to someone ill not to visit. • Use masks. • Avoid crowds and keep public outings to a minimum. • Exclusively breastfeed to provide your baby with important antibodies to help fight infections for the first 6 months. • Cover your mouth with your arm, not your hands, when sneezing or coughing. • Encourage adult vaccinations to prevent illness — such as for shingles, whooping cough (Tdap), flu, or Covid. • Vaccinate your baby according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations.

HAND-WASHING IS IMPORTANT Hand-washing is one of the most important ways to prevent an infection — in babies

and adults. Always wash your hands before and after caring for your baby. You may use a hand sanitizer instead of washing your hands unless they become visibly soiled.

WHEN MOTHER IS ILL AND CONTAGIOUS • Wear a mask.

• Wash your hands often. • Ask your support person to care for your baby as much as possible. • Continue breastfeeding.

COLD SORES A cold sore is a herpes simplex virus that

is common among adults. It is spread through direct contact such as kissing or touching the cold sore and then touching the baby. Herpes simplex can be very

Preventing Newborn Falls

Although uncommon, accidental falls do occur because of unfamiliar surroundings, the effects of medication, and being in a different bed or other furniture. How to Reduce the Risk of Your Baby Falling • Don’t sleep with your baby in bed or while relaxing in the chair or daybed. • When you’re sleepy and alone with your baby, don’t do skin-to-skin contact — place them safely in their bassinet. • Keep your hospital bed in the lowest position with the side rails up while holding or feeding baby. • Always keep a hand on your baby when on your bed or other furniture. Never leave or turn away – even for a few seconds. Return your baby to their bassinet or crib first.

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A New Beginning A New Beginning