1. Safety First
A crawling baby means a new round of babyproofing. Padding furniture corners, covering electrical outlets, tying up loose cords, and installing stairway gates are an excellent start, but there are plenty of less obvious spots that need to be secured. Add locks to toilets and cabinets or doors that conceal electronics, toiletries, cleaners, or glassware, and secure large furniture to the wall to prevent them from tipping over. Pro tip: To get a better sense of what could harm your baby, sit down and lie down on the floor to see your home from a baby’s level. You’ll discover sharp edges, dangling cords, and other potential hazards more easily.

2. Toilet Paper Tube Trick
Crawling babies have more access to items they can put in their mouths, whether that’s dog food or an older sibling’s LEGOs. Not sure what’s a choking hazard? Use the toilet paper tube trick. If the item fits through the tube, keep it out of baby’s reach.

3. Skin Saver 
Hard surfaces can damage a crawling baby’s delicate skin. Rough floors, concrete playgrounds or even carpets can cause scraped, bruised or raw knees from frequent contact. Save your baby’s knees—and pants—by slipping leg warmers or baby knee pads, like the cute ones above from Simply Kids, over baby’s legs. Pro tip: Baby knee pads are also good protection for wobbly toddlers who take frequent tumbles.

4. Staying Alert
Any time you venture out and about with a mobile baby, you’ll have to stay on kid watch like your baby’s life depends on it (because it does). Even new crawlers are shockingly quick. If you have any doubts about whether you can stay fully focused on your little explorer, play it safe and strap baby into a stroller or carrier.

5. Timing Is Everything
If you find yourself having trouble accomplishing tasks with a baby on the loose, adjust your schedule where you can. For example, cut down on time in the kitchen by relying on meal planning or quick prep and slow cooker recipes. Consider showering at night after baby’s bedtime and saving certain tasks for naptime or moments when you have someone else to watch your little mover.

6. Try Redirection
A crawling or toddling baby can leave quite a trail as they explore everything in reach. Keep a small basket of baby-safe toys and books in each room to capture their attention when necessary and keep them away from cereal boxes, markers, and other major messes.

7. Get Germ-Aware
Keeping a crawling baby clean when you’re away from home can be a challenge. Keep a stash of wipes and sanitizer in your diaper bag for outings, and a change of clothes in case of bigger messes.

8. Keep a Surprise Toy Stash
How can you entertain your little cruiser when you need to shower, take a phone call or respond to emails? Hide a stash of “surprise” toys that stay out of your regular toy rotation. Pulling out the basket of “new” trinkets can keep your mobile mini-me entertained for a few minutes while you take care of business or relax for some much-needed me time.

9. Plan a Pool Party!
Turn your blow-up pool into a ball pit by adding colorful plastic balls. Your child will have room to move freely while exploring, and you’ll rest easy knowing baby is contained and entertained.

10. Cook Up Some Quiet
If trying to prep pasta primavera with baby running amok (or attached to your leg) sounds like a recipe for disaster, put your babe in the high chair to watch you. Sing songs, tell stories, or offer an assortment of finger foods to keep them entertained. If you want to pretend you have your own cooking show, we won’t tell anybody.

11. Relocate Your Belongings
If you find yourself frequently cleaning up a certain area—whether baby is obsessed with pulling books off of your shelves or shoes out of your closet—save yourself the constant cleanup and move those belongings upward on higher shelves. Consider this the flooding stage of parenting. As your baby zooms through the house like a force of nature, you move items upwards to keep them out of baby’s wake.

12. Repeat After Us
If snagging your baby inches from the curb for the millionth time or babyproofing have you ready to pull out your (now graying) hair, remember: It’s just a phase. Trust us, “It’s just a phase” will become your new favorite parenting mantra. Bonus: This useful phrase is surprisingly versatile! You’ll likely be using it for one thing or another for, oh, the next 18 years or so.

1. Baby clothes

Itsy bitsy baby clothes are the cutest, but your little one will grow quickly. Don’t invest too much in newborn clothing (trust us, most of it will end up stained in the end). Your baby is likely to outgrow those adorable onesies in a couple of weeks, leaving you with boxes of clothes lying around that you haven’t had the heart to donate…yet.

2. Portable bassinet

When you’re on the go, portable bassinets are awesome, but again, you won’t be using them forever. Before you know it, your baby will be on the move, and won’t be able to use the portable bassinet. So consider borrowing before you click “add to cart” on this one.

Related: Baby Gear You’ll Use Well Beyond the First Year

3. Activity gym

Keeping your baby busy and entertained will soon be a staple of your day. Your arms can only carry your newborn for so long before you need a break. Activity gyms are wonderful (not to mention developmentally appropriate) for your curious baby. But the time for baby to interact with this toy is short-lived—just like their attention span.

4. Mamaroo

For many families, this is a total splurge-worthy baby item. But if you can find it second-hand, it’s a total win. Like most baby gear, the window for its usefulness is fleeting. In the blink of an eye your baby will be too big for the soothing, mechanical rocker, and you’ll have to resort to the parent sway-and-shush to get your little one to sleep. Let’s just say it’s never too early to make friends with parents who have the Mamaroo so you’ll be next in line for the hand-off.

5. Jumperoo

Costs add up when you’re buying baby gear. And although the Jumperoo is an item you’re definitely going to want to grab, you don’t necessarily have to pay top dollar for it. It’s a lifesaver for keeping kiddos engaged and as the name suggests, jumping for joy. But like many items on our list, it’s usefulness is short-lived. Once baby starts cruising around, they often want to be free—no matter how bouncy and entertaining that Jumperoo is.

6. Strollers

Many strollers come with sticker shock, and it doesn’t help that there are a billion different options. Lightweight strollers, travel strollers, convertible strollers, jogging strollers, double strollers—it’s enough to make your head spin. Before buying, consider when and how you’ll use your stroller. Jogging strollers and double strollers are perfect examples. You’ll likely not use them every day, and they are incredibly expensive. Unless you’re an avid runner, borrowing one from a friend may get you through.

7. Changing table

Be prepared to spend a lot of time at the changing table. However, that doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot on it. There is nothing revolutionary about a changing table. Unless you’re looking to match a specific aesthetic, this is another item you can easily borrow.

8. Hiking backpack

Hitting the trails with your baby is a great way to get outdoors and experience the beauty of nature together. But soon enough, your little one won’t need (or want) to be carried. They’ll be toddling along beside you. Have a parent friend with older kids who also loves to hike? There’s a good chance they have a hiking backpack collecting dust somewhere you can borrow.

Related: We Found the Baby Camping Gear to Make Your Family Vacation So Much Easier

9. Pack ‘n Play

This is another item that will get a lot of use. Pack ‘n Plays are great for naptime, playtime, and travel time—really anytime, but you don’t necessarily need to buy them new. They are portable, easy to assemble, and fantastic for corralling a kid in a safe environment so you can go hands-free for a while. But here’s the skinny: once baby starts to crawl, the pack ‘n play isn’t nearly as appealing to them as it once was. Plus, everyone has one of these laying around somewhere. All you need to do is ask.

10. Infant bathtub

You will likely only need an infant bathtub until your little one begins to sit up around six months, so this is another product on our list to consider swapping rather than purchasing. Infant bathtubs are adorable, but also not a necessity.

Related: The Best Baby Bath Toys, According to Amazon Parents

11. Highchair

Another big-ticket item (depending on the brand), another one you can probably find in a friend’s garage. There are different types of highchairs too, which you may need based on development and personal preference: full-size, portable, and booster seats. If all three are on your list, think about what you’ll use on the daily and then see if you can borrow the other two. Be warned though, this is one product that is guaranteed to get messy, so you may want to give yours a good scrub after it’s been gifted to you.

12. Bike trailer

When it comes to the baby gear to borrow, bike trailers should be on every casual rider’s list. Unless you’re training for a triathlon or you bike all the time, you probably won’t get as much use out of a bike trailer as you plan before baby arrives. Trust us, this money can be better spent elsewhere if you can get a loaner from a friend or rent one from a local bike shop.

These are the best breastfeeding supplies we’ve come across on our own nursing journeys. They’re from trusted brands that you’ve probably heard us mention a lot, and with good reason. Brands that have set the standard for baby gear and have been around a long time. We’ve found everything from pumps, pads, and even a free virtual breastfeeding class to support you along the way!

My Breast Friend Nursing Pillow

The My Breast Friend Nursing Pillow is a dream, thanks to the totally adjustable design and back support. The storage pockets hold water, snacks, and the remote (or whatever your personal nursing time kit needs), and there's a removable slip cover for easy washing (pictured in Plaitnum Posies).

My Breast Friend Nursing Pillow ($41.99+)—Buy Now!

Momcozy S12 Double Wearable Breast Pump

Imagine a hands-free, portable, wearable pump that prevents you from being tied to a corded machine. Boom. Momcozy delivers and we're in love. With 2 modes, 9 levels, and a clear LCD screen, pumping has never been easier or less disruptive to your day. (Not that we mind, but it's nice to have both hands free while we pump.)

Momcozy S12 Double Wearable Breast Pump ($139.99)—Buy Now!

Lansinoh TheraPearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Packs

Whether you use these soft therapy packs hot or cold, they offer incredible relief from swelling, engorgement, clogged ducts, and more. 

Lansinoh TheraPearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Packs ($12.97)—Buy Now!

Swehl Breastfeeding Starter Kit

Aside from how cute this kit from Swhel is, it's extremely convenient. It's packed with eigh multi-use products, including collection cups, an all-purpose syringe, and nipple balm, all in a grab-and-go case.

Swehl Breastfeeding Starter Kit ($99.99)—Buy Here!

Dapple On the Go Breast Pump & Baby Bottle Cleaning Kit

Keep your breast pump gear clean no matter where you are (bonus: this kit works great on bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers, etc, too).

Dapple On the Go Cleaning Kit ($11,99; Originally $14.99)—Buy Here!

Frida Mom Breast Care Self Care Kit

It's not likely you're used to caring for your breast health quite as much as when you're nursing, and this Breast Care Self Care Kit gives you all the tools you need. It comes with a 2-in-1 lactation massager, heated breast packs, a lactation breast mask, hydration breast mask, and a carry pack.

Frida Mom Breast Care Self Care Kit ($39.99)—Buy Now!

Momcozy Seamless Nursing Bra

This isn't your average nursing bra! It's buttery-soft, supportive, and so comfortable, you could sleep in it. We wouldn't blame you if you continued to wear it long past your breastfeeding journey.

Momcozy Seamless Nursing Bra ($23.99)—Buy Now!

Organic Nipple Butter Breastfeeding Cream by Earth Mama

With over 60K +verified Amazon reviews raving about it, we couldn't skip this skin-savior.

Organic Nipple Butter Breastfeeding Cream by Earth Mama ($13.97)—Buy Now!

Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads

These soft pads can hold 20x their weight so you'll stay dry and comfortable day and night.

Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads ($15.99)—Buy Now!

Milkies Freeze Organizer Storage System

Freezing milk when pumping is a given, but this freeze organizer takes storage to the next level.

Milkies Freeze Organizer Storage System ($16.99)—Buy Now!

2 in 1 LaVie Lactation Massager Roller

Breast massage is so awesome at helping to maintain milk flow, comfort, and clear ducts, and this roller is even more effective than hand massages.

2 in 1 LaVie Lactation Massager Roller ($18.48)—Buy Now!

Munchkin Milkmakers Lactation Drink Mix Supplement

Over 4,000 moms in the Amazon reviews agree: this drink powder supplement supports breast milk production and nourishes your skin with a healthy dose of collagen. *Always check with your doctor before adding a supplement to your routine.

Munchkin Milkmakers Lactation Drink Mix Supplement ($14.91)—Buy Now!

Milkies Milk-Saver Milk Catcher Breast Shells

If you find yourself feeling like you're wasting precious drops of that liquid gold during pumping, nursing, or when wearing breast pads throughout the day, these are the perfect answer.

Milkies Milk-Saver Milk Catcher Breast Shells ($19.99)—Buy Now!

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Digital Nesting (noun): The practice of preparing and establishing digital boundaries and safety measures for a child before or shortly after their arrival.

“We’re in a different stage of technology right now where we’re all aware of the digital footprints that we create,” explains internet safety expert Katie Greer. “When we start these footprints for them when they’re babies, they have no say in what is put out there; something that may be cute or funny to us at the time may horrify them later.” You’ve probably read about the backlash to sharenting (parental oversharing) or heard the kids of influencers speak out about their struggles.

So how do you protect your baby’s safety and their future? We gathered expert tips to help kick off your digital nesting.

1. Get digitally aligned

It’s important to speak openly and honestly about what boundaries and rules you want to set around your child’s digital identity and exposure. Making these decisions early helps you avoid oversharing or parental friction. If you’ve decided not to post your kids’ photos or personal details online, your extended family and friends should know so they’re aligned too.

2. Share mindfully

Skip the personal details: Refrain from sharing your baby’s full name, date of birth, or health information online. These details can be used in ways you can’t control later.

Turn off geotagging: Take a pass on location or venue check-ins,  especially at spots your child visits regularly, like daycare, kindergarten, school, local parks, or coffee shops.

Cover up any identifiers: Cover up uniforms and blur out logos of any institution on clothing that could track your kiddo to a specific daycare, kindergarten, or school.

Choose private platforms: Social media can be a risky place to share your baby’s highlights and milestones. Consider a secure app like Tinybeans! We’re trusted by millions of parents thanks to our strict privacy settings, so you can share precious moments safely with just family and close friends and know that you have complete ownership of your photos.

3. Be selective about photos

Think before you post: Once a picture is online, you can’t control where it goes. “There’s no magic tool that can wipe a photo or video off the internet forever,” says Greer. “We can delete it in certain places, but that doesn’t mean it’s not somewhere else.” AI and other technologies may use your baby’s image without your consent.

Consider your baby’s future: They can’t consent to you posting that tushie shot or bathtime nudes. “I think one of the biggest mistakes is putting out pictures of kids without their clothes on,” cautions Greer. They may be cute, but in the wrong hands, they can be devastating, so be selective about how much of your life you put online. Remember: your baby’s privacy matters more than likes.

Spam responsibly: We completely understand the urge to share every goofy smile and tiptoed toddle with close family—just be sure you’re doing it somewhere that feels safe.  Plus, you aren’t the only one who will want to share baby’s adorable face with the world, so communicate your boundaries with all the gushing grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends who might get share-happy, too.

4. Regularly review privacy settings

Stay updated: Be mindful of the fact that anyone can see your social posts if your account is public. “Privacy settings are a must!” stresses Greer. “So many people don’t use them and share tremendously personal information.” But even if your account is private, social media platforms often change their privacy settings and policies, so regularly review your account settings to ensure your posts remain private and only visible to your selected audience.

App permissions: Check what permissions you’ve granted to apps, especially photo-sharing and social media platforms. Limit access to things like your camera roll and location unless absolutely necessary.

5. Audit your social media

This generation of parents is the first to have had social media accounts since they were at high school or university—that’s a lot of acquaintances we’ve collected along the way! If you do share life updates on social media regularly, audit who you’re friends with or who’s following you. Even if your account is on private, someone you met once, 20 years ago doesn’t need to see details of your life now.

Related: My Insta “Friends” Are Mostly Stranger Now—And As a Mom, It’s Weirding Me Out

6. Beware of scams and phishing

Watch for suspicious activity: Be cautious of any emails or messages that ask for personal information about your baby or family. Cybercriminals often target new parents with scams, so stay vigilant. “A good rule of thumb is: if you didn’t expect it, don’t go clicking around,” says Greer.

7. Create strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication

Use strong, unique passwords for all your social media and photo-sharing accounts. Consider enabling two-factor authentication for an added layer of security.

Family accounts: Ensure that any family members you share photos with also use strong passwords and secure their accounts properly.

8. Mentor, monitor, and adapt

Teach digital safety from day one: As your child grows, talk openly about what’s safe to share online. “From a very young age, we can set good examples and have really great conversations about how, when, and why we use technology,” says Greer. Guide them in spotting dangers and understanding who they can trust online.

Related: 10 Things Kids Should NEVER Do Online

It’s OK to pivot: If you started sharing publicly but now feel uneasy about it, know that it’s okay to change your approach. Your child’s safety and your peace of mind come first.

Set healthy boundaries: Keep adjusting your digital habits as your kiddo grows. You’re their role model for how they build a relationship with tech, so be mindful of the example you set.

9. Use age-appropriate tech controls and settings

If your toddler or child is on a digital device (let’s face it, they will!) make sure your devices, apps, and programs have child locks or settings. For example, you can find safety settings for Alexa, YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, and more.

Related: 11 Fun Toddler Apps Parents Can Feel Good About

Pro tip: Don’t let your kids know the password to your phone as it automatically creates a permission structure to access content, apps, and games.

10.  Consider consent and future impacts

Digital Footprint: Remember, what you post today could impact your child later in life. Be mindful of creating a digital footprint that respects their future privacy and choices.

Ask permission: As your child grows, involve them in decisions about what you share online. “It’s a great practice! It gets the kids involved in their digital reputation and also teaches them how we should respect others.” Teaching them about consent as early as possible will help them understand the importance of controlling their digital presence and the fact that others will want to do the same.

In the tech age, it’s up to parents to protect and educate our kiddos from the very start. “I think really being involved in our kids’ online lives is imperative if we want to help them be safe and productive,” explains Greer. “Early, frequent conversations around all of these important topics can really set our kids up for success.” So get that viral bassinet and find the perfect wallpaper for the nursery—but also start your digital nesting to plan how you’ll protect your little one online. These tips should help get the ball rolling and keep it moving for years to come.

Why Tinybeans?

Tinybeans is more than a photo-sharing app—it’s a secure platform designed for today’s parents who want to protect their children’s privacy while sharing family milestones. In a recent survey, 90% of users said privacy is the top reason they choose Tinybeans. The app lets you share safely and stay in control of your family’s digital presence.

Once your baby arrives, it’s important to stay connected with loved ones near and far and spread the joy of watching your little one grow. With Tinybeans, you can easily share your baby’s sweetest moments with grandparents, family, and close friends, creating memories together in a safe, secure space. Join today to create your family’s very own digital time capsule and stay connected with loved ones—without worrying about privacy or security.

Meet DYPER! Their sustainable and certified plant-based products give your baby’s sensitive skin the extra love it needs this winter. Super absorbent and gentle on baby’s delicate skin, these diapers will keep them clean and dry–the best way to prevent rashes. If that weren’t enough, they also protect your car seat from blowouts and the environment from more plastic in landfills.

Benefits for your baby and the planet really make these diapers a win-win. You might buy organic hot cocoa and avoid single-use plastics, but when it comes to diapers, do you find yourself wandering the aisles trying to find something that’s good for your baby and the planet? Well, the search is over, because while many brands talk about the impact of diapering on the environment, this one’s actually taking action.

With a mission that puts plants over plastic while still prioritizing happy babies, DYPER is revolutionizing baby care with high-performance, plant-based diapers that are chemical-free and dermatologist-approved for even the most sensitive skin. Bonus? They’ll even come pick up your used diapers and wipes for composting (if you live in The Bay Area or other select cities).

Yes, you read that correctly! Through their REDYPER program, DYPER makes it super convenient to give your baby DERMATEST and OEKO-TEX Certified diapers with 52% of ingredients derived from renewable resources while also doing your part to protect the environment (for when your baby is all grown up!). This membership service for DYPER subscribers has kept more than 14 million pounds of diapers and wipes out of landfills.

Find out more about DYPER’s full line of diapers, wipes, and training pants (and cross diapers and wipes off your winter to-do list) with a recurring subscription delivered right to your door. Because really, who wants to trek out in the snow?

Diapers

Designed for the future. Made with plants. These diapers give you all the leak-free, rash-preventing goodness your baby’s sensitive skin deserves (and needs in the winter) with the bonus of being plant-based and good for the environment. Less waste all around (pun intended!).

Shop diapers

Wipes

If there’s one thing we use even more than diapers, it's wipes! From runny noses to sticky hands and messy bottoms, you always need a pack of wipes on hand. These wipes are plant-based, 99% purified water, dermatologists approved, fragrance-free, and free of harmful ingredients, so use as many as you need.

Shop wipes

Training Pants

When you’re ready for the next step in diapering, DYPER has the most thoughtful training pants for the most precious little ones. These briefs are made with plants over plastic, are gentle on skin, and are super absorbent.

Shop training pants

Choose plants over plastic and switch to DYPER to keep them warm and dry as winter rolls in. Whether it’s the Simply Kind or Charcoal line, you can count on zero leak, zero rash performance. And with their 100% Love It guarantee, you’ve got nothing to lose!

She goes by Ask Bubbie on TikTok, and in her viral video, she shares some incredibly important safety standards that have changed since today’s grandparents were raising their kids—and also explains the evidence behind the changes to help them understand why “the way things used to be” isn’t the best anymore.

@ask.bubbie

A lot has changed since we raised children. #babies #newborns

♬ original sound – Ask Bubbie

First up is safe sleep.

“The recommendations now are for all babies to sleep on their backs,” Bubbie explains. “The American Academy of Pediatrics came out with that recommendation in 1994, and in the first year alone, there was a reduction of 60% in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), or crib death, as some of you know it. That was the largest decrease of any intervention we’ve ever done.”

She adds that not only should babies sleep on their backs, they should be in an empty crib with no bumpers. And pacifiers are encouraged—they also reduce the risk of SIDS!

The next big change has to do with feeding.

“We used to introduce one new food at a time, and we were very concerned about allergenic foods and started those much later,” Bubbie says. “The recommendations have done a complete 180. It’s been found that if you introduce all of the allergenic foods early, you lower the risk of allergies.”

And last but not least, there’s car seat safety. While parents used to turn their car seats around so their kids were front-facing once they met just one of the criteria for it, they now wait much longer.

“The recommendation now is that you don’t turn them around until they meet all the criteria,” Bubbie says. “That means a lot of them look really uncomfortable. You’ve got babies sitting there with their legs squished up against the back seat of the car… but the studies have shown that their chance of surviving, unhurt, in an accident is far greater if they’re kept rear-facing until they meet all the requirements.”

Bubbie ends her video with a message to the other grandparents out there—that when their kids fight them on these things, it’s not because they think they did things wrong when they were growing up, it’s just because they want their babies to be as safe as possible. And that’s something we can all agree on.

1. Fit Check

Days of fun in the sun have arrived, but before venturing out you’ll want to have a plan for protecting your baby from the bright, summer sunshine. If your first thought is to reach for the sunscreen, think again. Both the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend skipping sunscreen until at least 6 months of age. So how do you shield your tiny guy or gal from harmful rays? Stock their closet with UPF clothing and hats, which use a treated fabric that can prevent up to 98% of UV radiation from reaching their delicate skin. Even if your infant is old enough for sunscreen, remember that the sun’s rays can still penetrate most fabrics, leading to sunburns. (The average cotton t-shirt only blocks between 5 and 15 percent of harmful UV rays.) You’ll also want to hang in the shade when possible.

2. (Don’t) Cover Up 

When they’re small enough to be toted around in an infant car seat or stroller, it may seem like a good idea to throw a blanket over the top to keep your babe out of the sun or protect them from noises that could ruin a much-needed nap. But Dr. Aysha Jabbar, a pediatrics specialist with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, warns against this common practice. “People use the muslin blankets thinking they are more breathable, but they can still trap heat inside,” she says. “Plus, you can’t see the baby, and if it falls, you pose a suffocation risk.” Instead, she recommends seeking out items made for this purpose, like mesh shields, and keeping them cool with clip-on stroller fans and water-misting sprays. 

3. Heat + Hydration 

Keeping baby hydrated is a year-round must, but in the summer months it’s easier for their tiny bodies to overheat and get dehydrated. “Infants are not able to sweat, which is our body’s way of keeping our internal temperature down, so their temperature goes up considerably faster,” says Jabbar. To keep your little one safe in the heat, follow common summer safety tips, like staying in the shade, giving more frequent feedings, and, for older babies, offering water-rich foods like cucumbers and watermelon. Even with these measures, watch for signs of dehydration, such as clammy skin, inadequate urine production (less than six wet diapers in a 24-hour period), and excessive sleepiness. If you notice any of these signs, get to a cool space immediately and offer breast milk or a formula feeding. Babies who have started solids can have water as well, and those over the age of one can rehydrate with an infant-approved electrolyte drink like Pedialyte (pro tip: they make electrolyte freezies too!).

4. Swim Safe

Babies love playing in water, so the more opportunities to splash around the better, whether it’s in a pool or at the local splash pad. With that in mind, water safety is crucial, and the statistics about drowning deaths are chilling. In the first 12 months of life, they are the second leading cause of “unintentional injury deaths,” and by age one they’re the leading cause.  

First and foremost, you’ll want to be vigilant when your baby is near water and make sure you’re always within arm’s reach—even at a super shallow wading pool (babies and young children can drown in just 2 inches of water). But there’s a lesser-known tip that can help keep them safe. When you’re perusing all the adorable infant swimsuits this year, choose one that is bright and colorful, advise aquatic safety experts ALIVE Solutions, Inc. A neon swimsuit is more easily and quickly spotted than darker options or those in white or light blue, which become virtually invisible when submerged. Because drownings can happen in as little as 30 seconds, picking a suit with better visibility offers another layer of protection around the water.

Related: 15 Kids’ Swimsuits on Amazon in the Safest Colors

5. Bye-Bye Bugs 

Everyone loves summer—including all manner of biting and stinging insects, like mosquitos, wasps, and bees. If your summer plans will take you to an area that is prone to insect activity, be sure to have the proper gear in place to protect baby. The jury is still out on using insect repellants on infants under two, so opt for mosquito nets over strollers, clip-on fans to keep bugs from landing on your tot, and loose, long-sleeved shirts and pants with hats. Just be sure to avoid bright colors and prints, which can actually attract insects.

Forgetting your baby in the car? Unimaginable! And yet, it’s happened to more than a few totally responsible yet totally exhausted parents. Each summer, there are fatalities caused by children being left in hot vehicles. To ensure that this doesn’t happen to you, the National Safety Council suggests that you leave a personal item next to your baby in the back seat, and make sure it’s one that you’ll need when you get out of the car. Since even a purse or phone can be forgotten, one expert tip is to remove your left shoe and place it by the car seat. “Having that item there gives you another layer of accountability, and a rear-facing mirror can help, too” says Trevor Riddell, a firefighter in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Riddell cautions that forgetfulness isn’t the only reason accidents happen in hot cars. Others stem from intentionally leaving your baby in the car. “Sometimes people think they’ll only be gone for a little while, but on a 95-degree day, the ambient air temperature inside a vehicle can reach 120 degrees,” he explains. “And, things never take ‘just a minute.’” On other occasions, an infant may accidentally be locked in the car, in which case a magnetic hide-a-key holder secured to the underside of the car can be a lifesaver. Once your kiddo gets older, Riddell urges parents to keep vehicles locked at all times and keys placed out of reach to avoid a child entering the car without their knowledge.

7. Play It Cool 

Playgrounds are like mini amusement parks, giving your tot the chance to swing and slide but also the opportunity to watch the big kids at play. In all the excitement, we sometimes forget to feel around for hot surfaces, which can reach upwards of 189 degrees. To play it safe, visit playgrounds early in the morning, before the summer sun has had a chance to heat up the equipment, and always do a touch test before popping baby into a swing or sending them down the slide. Rather than using the palm of your hand, try testing the temperature with your wrist (the same trick you’d use to test the temperature of milk in a bottle). It’s more sensitive, and therefore more likely to provide an accurate read. 

8. Cookout Caution 

It’s baby’s first summer party season! Since you’ve probably got cookouts and barbecues to attend with your mini-me, it’s a good idea to keep in mind that these shindigs often expose infants to new foods—some of which are choking hazards. This is particularly true if your baby’s on the move and can reach up and grab goodies off a table. Look out for seasonal favorites like hot dogs, nuts, popcorn, and grapes. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends cutting round firm foods into tiny pieces to serve as finger food, and not offering popcorn to children under 4. And you’ll want to watch closely if any parties have balloons as decorations, which are also a choking hazard for kids. 

Now that you’re armed with an arsenal of seasonal safety tips, get out there and make the most of your first summer with baby. It’s going to be the best!

Make sure to capture all your favorite summer memories—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

Since newborn immune systems aren’t completely mature, they’re especially vulnerable to becoming very ill with viruses that are annoying but otherwise harmless in older kids and adults. When it comes to keeping babies safe from the season’s nastiest respiratory viruses, the good news is you probably already learned some of the key advice when you brought yours home from the hospital: Wash your hands often, pop a bottle of hand sanitizer by the door for visitors, and don’t let anyone who’s ill hang with your baby. But what if you’re the one who’s sick and you still have to take care of them?

As a nurse and mom, I’ve seen how taking a few extra proactive steps can protect your little ones from colds and other respiratory viruses like RSV, COVID-19, and the flu, even as they age out of the danger zone. Whether the germs are inside or outside your house, here are some of the most common viruses and what I recommend to keep them at bay.

Which respiratory viruses are most common in babies?

Respiratory viruses are spread by droplets that are released into the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes. We become sick when the virus enters our respiratory tract through either direct person-to-person contact, by breathing in infected droplets, or by touching a contaminated object and then touching the mucous membranes on our face such as our eyes, nose, and mouth.

Common Cold

Many cases of the common cold result from a rhinovirus infection. For babies, the symptoms of a cold and those of more serious illnesses can look the same at first. If your baby is less than 3 months old, cold symptoms or a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher warrants an immediate call to the pediatrician.
What to look for: Stuffy or runny nose, unusually fussy, fever.

COVID-19

COVID-19 spreads much more easily than other respiratory viruses like the cold or the flu. In addition to coughs or sneezes, respiratory droplets can also spread from talking or singing. While kids aren’t as likely as adults to become very ill with COVID-19, some do end up in the hospital with respiratory support from a ventilator.
What to look for: Fever, cough, extreme tiredness, nausea, diarrhea.

RSV

RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus and is especially dangerous if your baby is less than 6 months old. This is because if they catch it, their first symptom may be apnea, which means they take long pauses in breathing, causing their oxygen level to drop. Babies with RSV are often hospitalized because they require medical care and oxygen support until the infection resolves.
What to look for: Apnea, runny nose, cough, and sometimes a fever.

Flu

The flu is caused by influenza viruses and, as with RSV, your newborn can become much sicker than if you or an older kid were to catch it. The flu increases newborns’ risk of developing more serious respiratory complications such as pneumonia or apnea.
What to look for: Cold symptoms like cough, fever, and runny or stuffy nose. Can also include sleepiness, vomiting, diarrhea, fussiness, and trouble consoling baby.

Remember, you are the expert on your baby’s behavior and disposition. With any illness, if you feel that something isn’t right, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for guidance. Symptoms that require immediate medical attention include breathing much faster than usual, retractions (the muscles around their ribs pull in with each breath), wheezing, or lips or skin that is a bluish color.

Tips for preventing the spread of respiratory viruses:

As your child gets older, getting sick becomes inevitable—especially when they start daycare. But if your baby is brand new, or you just want to try to limit how much your family is home sick this flu season, here are some things you can do to keep respiratory viruses at bay.

1. Practice a handwashing technique that gets the job done every time.

I like to think about giving my baby a bath when I’m washing my hands. If I simply dipped her in the tub, dabbed on some soap, and then rinsed her off, she’d still be kinda dirty. To effectively reduce the spread of germs, you’ll want to work up a good sudsy lather. Soap contains ingredients that lift dirt and disease-causing germs from your skin. These unwelcomed guests are then rinsed down the drain. Your goal is to create friction as you carefully clean all parts of your hands while singing “Happy Birthday” twice to yourself. This gives you the recommended time (20 seconds) to get your hands adequately clean. After a good rinse, be sure to dry your hands well because germs are transferred more easily if they are still damp.

Related: Nurse Shares 3 Signs That Your Sick Kid Needs to Go to the ER

If soap and water aren’t handy, using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can help prevent the spread of certain germs. Use enough to wet all surfaces of your hands and rub them together, again for 20 seconds, until they are dry. Good hand hygiene at the right time is crucial to preventing the spread of germs, especially after touching public surfaces or blowing your nose if you’re the one who’s ill. Make sure your hands are clean before touching your baby’s face around their eyes, nose, or mouth. Remember, respiratory viruses love those mucous membranes.

2. Stop the droplets however you can.

Avoiding sick people is a good idea in general, and if you’re the one who’s coughing and sneezing, you can reduce the spread of germs by containing your respiratory droplets with a tissue or the inside of your elbow. But let’s be honest: when you’re caring for an infant, you don’t always have a tissue or a free elbow. As a nurse working in the hospital pre-COVID-19 times, if you had the sniffles but were otherwise healthy enough to report to work, the expectation was to wear a mask when doing direct patient care. I did this with my recent cold to keep virus-containing droplets from landing on my baby while I was holding and feeding her. If another member of your household is sick, having them wear a mask at home can help protect your baby and others in your family, particularly if they are coughing and sneezing. With sick siblings, this can be a tall order, but do your best to encourage them to cover their mouths.

3. Take advantage of current vaccinations.

Unfortunately, there isn’t an effective vaccine against the common cold because there are over 100 different kinds of rhinoviruses and each one is constantly changing. But for other respiratory viruses like COVID-19, RSV, and influenza, there are vaccines available that are a great way to reduce the spread and protect those who have a higher risk of becoming severely ill. Mothers who have immunity against these illnesses, either from receiving vaccines or from actually getting sick during pregnancy, provide passive immunity to their newborns through the placenta or breastmilk. However, this passive immunity is temporary and protection decreases after a few weeks or months. Chat with your pediatrician to better understand the benefits and risks of each vaccine and recommendations for when you and your baby should get them.

Yes, navigating the real world while shielding your baby from so many seasonal viruses can be tricky. But when used in combination, these three strategies provide a powerful defense. Whether you’re at the pediatrician’s office for your newborn’s well-baby check-up, introducing your new arrival to family and friends, or traveling with your toddler, remember how respiratory viruses spread and practice these habits to lower the likelihood of your little one getting sick.