Rules About Baby

If you aren't new around here you know that the first book I wrote is meant to be funny. It is full of real parenting dos and don'ts but in a light hearted rhyming way. Even though it does tell you a few big rules for babies, it does not really tell you why. I originally had the idea for this book because older family members would jokingly give me a hard time about all of my "new baby rules" and ask what my "parent books" said about things. Things are constantly changing with new child development research and even things that were considered safe best practices a few years ago are outdated now. So today in mid February of 2026 I want to share some actual advice and the reasons why because I very recently spoke with a mom that simply did not know a safety rule because her parents recommended doing the opposite because they did.

Knowing the why of safety practices is a great way to help you stand your ground and educate especially if other family or friends want to do things differently. This is in no way a complete list, but it may help someone, and if I can help keep even one new baby safe in this world, I will be happy. So between me and my dear Google, here are some baby rules and the actual 'why' behind each of them.

Babies should only have breast milk or formula in their bottles before six months old.

Babies should rely exclusively on breast milk or formula for the first 6 months because their digestive systems are too immature for solid foods, and these liquids provide all necessary nutrients, antibodies, and hydration in a highly digestible form. Breast milk, in particular, strengthens immune function, provides tailored nutrition, and protects against diseases like SIDS, whereas formula serves as the only safe, regulated substitute for infants under 6 months.

Babies under one should not have cow's milk.

Babies under 12 months should not drink cow’s milk because it is hard to digest, lacks essential nutrients like iron and vitamin E, and can cause intestinal irritation leading to iron-deficiency anemia and stomach bleeding. Also, the high protein and mineral concentrations can overload and damage a baby's immature kidneys.

Do not give your baby water or mix formula with more water than directed.

Babies under 6 months old should not be given water because their bodies—specifically their kidneys and stomachs—are not yet developed enough to handle it, making it potentially dangerous. Breast milk or formula provides all the hydration and nutrients a baby needs during this time. Water Intoxication (Hyponatremia) is the biggest risk. Extra water can dilute the sodium levels in a baby's bloodstream, a dangerous condition called hyponatremia, which can cause cells to swell. Seizures, Coma, and Death: If water intoxication is severe, it can lead to seizures, coma, brain damage, and, in rare cases, death.

Support babies' heads and neck.

Their neck muscles are too weak to support their disproportionately large, heavy heads, usually until 3–4 months of age. Without support, sudden movements or flopping can cause serious brain injuries, strain ligaments, or damage developing neck muscles.

Dress baby only one layer more than yourself.

They cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently as adults and lose heat faster. Babies, especially newborns, have a high surface-area-to-weight ratio and are often inactive, meaning they need extra clothing to stay warm, while the layers can be adjusted to prevent overheating. Too many layers that cause overheating can contribute to SIDS.

Do not kiss a baby that is not yours!

You should not kiss babies, particularly newborns under 3 months old, because their immature immune systems cannot easily fight off germs, making them highly vulnerable to infections. Kissing can transmit serious viruses, such as Herpes Simplex (HSV) or RSV, which can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, or even death. It is 2026, we all KNOW that you do not always have symptoms when you are sick, keep your lips to yourself!

Do not let baby sleep in swings, bouncers, or car seats.

Babies should not sleep in swings, bouncers, or car seats because the semi-upright, inclined, or curved positions can cause their heavy heads to fall forward, compressing their airway and leading to positional asphyxiation (suffocation). These devices are designed for, and tested for, awake, supervised play, not safe, flat-surface sleep.

Follow the ABCs of safe sleep. Babies should sleep Alone, on their Back, and in their empty Crib.

Following the ABCs of safe sleep—Alone, on their Back, in a Crib—is critical to significantly reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths, such as suffocation, entrapment, or strangulation. These evidence-based practices, recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), ensure a safe environment for infants up to their first birthday. A - Alone: Babies should always sleep alone in their own space, not sharing a bed with parents, siblings, or pets to prevent accidental suffocation. B - Back: Infants should be placed on their backs for every sleep (naps and nighttime) to keep airways open. C - Crib: A firm, flat surface (crib, bassinet, or play yard) that meets safety standards, free of pillows, blankets, toys, and bumper pads, is essential. Crib bumpers were actually made illegal due to infant deaths.

Never shake a baby!

Shaking a baby is extremely dangerous and can cause a form of child abuse known as Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) or abusive head trauma. It is a leading cause of death and permanent, severe disability in children under two years old, often resulting from a caregiver’s frustration with a crying baby. Babies have very weak neck muscles and heavy heads. When shaken, their head moves violently back and forth. A baby's brain is still developing and sits loosely in the skull. Shaking causes the brain to slam against the inside of the skull, resulting in bruising, swelling, and bleeding.

Make sure your car seat buckle/clip is exactly at the level of baby's armpits.

This placement ensures the harness straps remain properly positioned over the shoulders and chest bone, preventing them from slipping off during a crash.

Do as much skin to skin contact as possible. This can and should be done by moms AND dads.

Skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo care) is crucial for babies as it immediately stabilizes their heart rate, breathing, and blood sugar, while enhancing temperature regulation. It reduces crying and stress, promotes better sleep, boosts the immune system, and facilitates, and increases the likelihood of, successful breastfeeding. It is also a natural pain reliever for babies.

Like I said, this is in no way a complete list of things you should or should not do with your baby, but it hits on some of the biggest ones that can be a real safety concern if not adhered to. Things like how to wean a baby, if you breast or bottle feed, if you baby wear, etc are all preferences. If you choose one that doesn't really work it's not a big deal, but the things listed above when not done can be fatal.