A nurse is reinforcing teaching about home safety with the parent of a 2-month-old infant. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Secure the infant in a high chair for feeding. This is not recommended for a 2-month-old. At 2 months, infants should be fed in a reclined position, either in a caregiver’s arms or using a specially designed infant seat. High chairs are not safe for babies this young, as they do not have the necessary neck or head control. B. Place a small pillow under the infant's head for sleeping. This is not recommended. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against the use of pillows, blankets, or any soft bedding in an infant's crib due to the risk of suffocation. C. Use a crib with side rails that are in a fixed, raised position. This is correct. A crib should have fixed side rails to ensure the infant is safe. The raised position is important for ease of access but should be adjusted as the baby grows to prevent the risk of falls once the baby starts moving more. D. Warm formula on the low setting in a microwave. This is not recommended. Microwaving formula can cause uneven heating, which can result in hot spots that could burn the infant. It is safer to warm formula in a bottle warmer or by placing it in a container of warm water.