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Guidance to Keep Newborn Babies Safe and Healthy

Christine Gold, Mary Kohn, MD, and Daniel Nicklas

4.8

Based on 223 ratings

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Christine Gold, Mary Kohn, MD, and Daniel Nicklas

In your previous 2 courses, you learned some medical interventions and skills to keep newborns healthy in the days and weeks after they have been born.  In this course, you will learn some key things that parents will need to do to keep their babies safe and healthy. The Guidance to Keep Newborn Babies Safe and Healthy Course will teach you best practices for how your baby will spend most of their day: eating, sleeping, and sometimes crying. Parents need to understand how to optimize nutrition, how to create a safe and happy sleep environment, how to safely transport their baby in their car, and how to respond to their baby’s crying.

A newborn baby is an amazing beautiful life filled with hope.  There is so much that goes into making sure that babies are born healthy, and so much more to think about after they are born.  Whether you are in the health care field, or even a parent, this course is the perfect educational opportunity for you to keep newborn babies healthy in the days and weeks after they are born!

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What's inside

Syllabus

Safe Newborn Sleep

In this module, we will talk all things infant sleep. The videos will cover what to expect with regard to infant sleep in the first month of life and ways to support and improve infant sleep. We will also review recommendations for safe sleep in infancy, including how to talk with parents about safe sleep and answer common questions.

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Newly minted parents will find this supplemental course helpful

Learners interested in pediatrics or neonatal care will find this course provides a solid foundation

This course appears to be a valuable resource to support new mothers

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Reviews summary

Practical guidance for safe newborn care

According to learners, this course offers practical and actionable guidance for keeping newborn babies safe and healthy. Students report that the course covers essential topics like safe sleep, car seat safety, feeding (breastfeeding and formula), and understanding infant crying and temperament. Many new and expecting parents find it incredibly helpful, providing them with the knowledge and confidence needed for the first few weeks. While it serves as a solid foundation or refresher for healthcare professionals, some reviewers noted that it might be too basic for those with extensive prior experience. Overall, the course is praised for its clear explanations and focus on the most crucial aspects of newborn care, making it a valuable resource.

Information presented clearly and easy to understand.

"The videos were easy to follow and explained complex concepts clearly."

"I liked how the information was broken down into manageable sections and modules."

"The instructors were knowledgeable and presented the material well, making it engaging."

"Content was well-organized and easy to digest."

"Language used was accessible, not overly technical."

Solid foundation or refresher for healthcare pros.

"It was a good refresher on current recommendations for safe infant care practices for my nursing work."

"Useful for understanding the parent's perspective and common concerns I encounter professionally in pediatrics."

"While not highly advanced, it provides a strong base for working with families and their newborns."

"A solid overview that complements clinical knowledge."

"Helpful for community health workers who support new families."

Especially helpful for first-time parents gaining confidence.

"As a first-time parent, this course was a lifesaver. It answered so many questions I had."

"I felt much more prepared bringing my baby home from the hospital after taking this course."

"Highly recommend this for anyone expecting or with a newborn; it builds confidence."

"Gave me peace of mind and knowledge to navigate the initial weeks with my baby."

"Perfect course for expecting parents looking for reliable information."

Covers crucial topics like sleep, feeding, and safety.

"The modules on safe sleep and car seat safety were particularly vital for me as they cover major safety concerns."

"I appreciated the detailed information on breastfeeding support and managing common issues encountered early on."

"It's great that it addresses the main things new parents worry about: sleep, food, crying, and safety."

"Comprehensive coverage of the most important aspects of newborn health and safety."

"Focus on topics like temperament and colic was very helpful in understanding my baby's behavior."

Offers practical, actionable steps for newborn care.

"I found the tips on soothing my baby and establishing sleep routines incredibly useful right away."

"This course gave me the practical information I needed to feel more confident as a new parent."

"It wasn't just theory; it taught me exactly what to do in common situations with my newborn."

"The actionable advice made me feel much better prepared to care for my baby."

"Provided real-world tips I could apply immediately, which was invaluable."

May be too basic for experienced healthcare pros.

"I found some parts a bit basic, likely more suited for those new to newborn care or parents, not experienced pros."

"Experienced nurses or doctors specializing in pediatrics might not find much new information here."

"Could benefit from more clinical detail and complex cases for a professional audience."

"As an experienced professional, it was mostly a review rather than new learning."

"Wish there was more advanced content on specific medical interventions."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Guidance to Keep Newborn Babies Safe and Healthy with these activities:

Read 'The Happiest Baby on the Block'

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This book provides practical tips and advice on how to soothe and care for newborns, including information on infant sleep patterns.

View The Happiest Baby on the Block; Fully Revised... on Amazon

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Read the book in its entirety.
Take notes on the key points that you learn from the book.
Discuss the book with your partner, family, or friends.

Practice swaddling a baby

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Swaddling a baby can help them feel secure and comfortable, which can lead to better sleep.

Browse courses on Infant Care

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Gather a blanket and a baby.
Spread the blanket out on a flat surface.
Place the baby on the blanket with their head at the top.
Bring the left corner of the blanket over the baby's body and tuck it under their right arm.
Bring the right corner of the blanket over the baby's body and tuck it under their left arm.
Fold the bottom of the blanket up over the baby's feet.

Discuss newborn care with other parents

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Talking to other parents can help you learn about their experiences and get advice on how to care for your own newborn baby.

Browse courses on Infant Care

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Find a group of parents who have recently had babies.
Meet with the group regularly to discuss newborn care.
Share your experiences and learn from other parents.

Two other activities

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Review breastfeeding techniques

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Breastfeeding can be a wonderful way to bond with your baby and provide them with the nutrients they need. Reviewing proper breastfeeding techniques can help you get off to a good start.

Browse courses on Infant Nutrition

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Read articles or watch videos about breastfeeding.
Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you have about breastfeeding.
Practice breastfeeding with a doll or stuffed animal.

Contribute to a community-based website or app for new parents

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Contributing to a community-based website or app for new parents can help you connect with other parents and share your experiences.

Browse courses on Parenting

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Find a community-based website or app for new parents.
Create an account and start contributing to the community.
Share your experiences and knowledge with other parents.

Career center

Learners who complete Guidance to Keep Newborn Babies Safe and Healthy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Neonatal Nurse

A Neonatal Nurse specializes in the care of newborn babies, providing medical and developmental care in the crucial first days of life. This course will support future and current Neonatal Nurses by providing them with practical knowledge on infant nutrition, sleep, and car seat safety. By understanding key infant caregiving principles, students will strengthen their ability to provide comprehensive care to newborns and support their families during this critical period.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neonatal Nurse

Infant and Toddler Teacher

Infant and Toddler Teachers provide care and education to infants and toddlers in early childhood settings. This course is highly relevant to aspiring Infant and Toddler Teachers as it provides essential knowledge and skills in infant care. By understanding best practices in infant nutrition, sleep, and safety, students will be better equipped to create a nurturing and stimulating environment for the infants and toddlers in their care, promoting their overall development and well-being.

See salaries and explore the career path for Infant and Toddler Teacher

Lactation Consultant

Lactation Consultants specialize in supporting breastfeeding mothers and their babies. This course is particularly valuable for aspiring Lactation Consultants as it provides a comprehensive understanding of infant nutrition, including breastfeeding techniques and troubleshooting common challenges. The course will equip students with the knowledge and skills to effectively guide mothers in establishing and maintaining a successful breastfeeding journey, promoting optimal infant health and well-being.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lactation Consultant

Obstetrician-Gynecologist

An Obstetrician-Gynecologist, often referred to as an OB-GYN, specializes in the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. This course is highly relevant to aspiring OB-GYNs as it provides essential knowledge on infant care, ensuring that they are well-equipped to support new mothers and their babies during this important transition. The course will empower students with practical skills in infant nutrition, sleep, and safety, enhancing their ability to provide holistic care to families.

See salaries and explore the career path for Obstetrician-Gynecologist

Family Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioners, or FNPs, provide primary care to patients of all ages, including newborns. This course is highly beneficial for aspiring FNPs as it equips them with vital knowledge and skills in infant care. By understanding best practices in infant nutrition, sleep, and safety, students will be better prepared to assess and address the specific needs of newborns and support their families in ensuring their well-being.

See salaries and explore the career path for Family Nurse Practitioner

Childbirth Educator

Childbirth Educators prepare expectant parents for the labor, birth, and postpartum experience. This course is highly relevant to aspiring Childbirth Educators as it provides valuable knowledge on infant care and safety. By understanding best practices in infant nutrition, sleep, and transportation, students will be better equipped to guide parents in creating a safe and nurturing environment for their newborns. The course empowers students to enhance the overall birthing experience for families.

See salaries and explore the career path for Childbirth Educator

Pediatrician

Pediatricians are medical doctors who specialize in the care of infants, children, and adolescents. Understanding how to care for infants is an important part of practice. Enrolling in this course will benefit the future Pediatrician by providing them critical knowledge on best practices for infant care, including nutrition and sleep. This course may also help aspiring Pediatricians better understand the nuances of infant care when communicating with guardians.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pediatrician

Doula

Doulas provide physical, emotional, and informational support to families during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period. This course is beneficial for aspiring Doulas as it equips them with practical knowledge and skills in infant care. By understanding best practices in infant nutrition, sleep, and safety, students will be better prepared to support families in caring for their newborns and ensuring their well-being during this critical transition.

See salaries and explore the career path for Doula

Nanny

Nannies provide childcare and support to families with children. This course is beneficial for aspiring Nannies as it equips them with practical knowledge and skills in infant care. By understanding best practices in infant nutrition, sleep, and safety, students will be better prepared to care for newborns and ensure their well-being. The course empowers students to provide comprehensive and nurturing care to infants, giving parents peace of mind.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nanny

Social Worker

Social Workers provide support and resources to individuals and families facing various challenges, including those related to infant care. This course may be useful for aspiring Social Workers as it provides valuable knowledge on infant nutrition, sleep, and safety. By understanding these key aspects of infant care, students will be better equipped to assess and address the needs of families with newborns, ensuring their well-being and promoting healthy child development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Healthcare Policy Analyst

Healthcare Policy Analysts research, analyze, and develop policies and programs related to healthcare. This course may be useful for aspiring Healthcare Policy Analysts as it provides valuable insights into infant care and safety. By understanding the challenges and opportunities in infant health, students will be better equipped to develop and advocate for policies that promote the well-being of newborns and their families.

See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Policy Analyst

Public Health Nurse

Public Health Nurses promote the health of communities by providing education, resources, and support on various health issues, including infant care. This course may be useful for aspiring Public Health Nurses as it provides valuable knowledge on infant nutrition, sleep, and safety. By understanding these key aspects of infant care, students will be better equipped to educate and support families in ensuring the well-being of newborns and promoting healthy child development within the community.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nurse

Child Life Specialist

Child Life Specialists provide support and coping mechanisms to children and families facing healthcare challenges, including those related to infant care. This course may be useful for aspiring Child Life Specialists as it provides valuable knowledge on infant development, nutrition, and safety. By understanding the unique needs of newborns, students will be better equipped to create age-appropriate interventions and support families in promoting the well-being of their infants during challenging times.

See salaries and explore the career path for Child Life Specialist

Early Intervention Specialist

Early Intervention Specialists provide support and services to infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. This course may be useful for aspiring Early Intervention Specialists as it provides valuable knowledge on infant development, nutrition, and safety. By understanding the special needs of newborns, students will be better equipped to assess and provide appropriate interventions to promote the optimal development and well-being of infants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Early Intervention Specialist

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and patterns of health and disease in populations. This course may be useful for aspiring Epidemiologists as it provides valuable insights into infant health and safety. By understanding the prevalence and risk factors associated with infant mortality and morbidity, students will be better equipped to conduct research and develop interventions to improve the health outcomes of newborns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Guidance to Keep Newborn Babies Safe and Healthy.

The Sears Baby Book, Revised Edition

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This award-winning and comprehensive book covers everything related to pregnancy, birth, infant development, and parenting. It includes the latest information on breastfeeding, sleep, and car seat safety.

Guidance to Keep Newborn Babies Safe and Healthy

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Practical guidance for safe newborn care

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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