First Things First – Car Seats
Car Seat Safety: It’s important to find a certified ‘Car Seat Safety-Technician’ who will teach you how to correctly install and use your baby’s car seat. Here are a couple of websites that focus on car seat safety and finding help with installation:
• The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration: http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS
• Safety Squad: www.safetysquad.com
• Car Safety: http://www.car-safety.org
Home Safety
Safe Products and Product Recalls: From infant car seats to toys, to cribs, it’s important to check products for recalls. Here are some websites that can help:
• The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, Inc: http://www.jpma.org
• The US Consumer Product Safety Commission: http://www.cpsc.gov/
• Consumer Hotline: 1-800-638-2772
• Kids in Danger: http://www.kidsindanger.org
• Safe Kids Worldwide: www.Safekids.org
Pet Safety: Here are some sites that can help you to make a plan:
• The Center for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/child.htm
• Dogs & Storks: http://www.dogsandstorks.com
Support team
Lactation Consultants: Breastfeeding is very natural but it takes patience, practice and learning. A lactation consultant can help you with breastfeeding. To find a consultant in your area speak to your hospital, birth center, midwife or visit the International Lactation Consultant Association website:
• International Lactation Consultant Association: http://www.ilca.org
Doulas: A doula can help families through pregnancy and the birth as well as with infant care after the birth. You can find out more about doulas or find a doula in your area by visiting these sites:
• The International Childbirth Education Association: http://icea.org/content/member-directory
• DONA International: http://www.dona.org
Finding Classes: Classes on pregnancy, birth, infant care, breastfeeding and many other birth related topics can help to prepare and support you on your amazing journey as a new or expectant parent. To learn about classes, as well as find a childbirth educator in your area, visit:
• The International Childbirth Education Association: http://icea.org/content/member-directory
