Infant Protection Day 2022 : Know Date, History, Significance and Tips to Keep Baby Safe

Every year on November 7, Infant Protection Day is commemorated to promote awareness of newborn baby safety and to protect their lives by providing appropriate care. Development of a baby begins at birth, and throughout the first three months, a lot happens in terms of motor skills, vision, hearing, and communication.

The foundation of healthy growth is the bond between parents and their children, and it is crucial to provide the right kind of care, which includes playing, talking, holding, and personally attending to the baby’s wants and crying. The infant mortality rate is an important determinant of a society’s general health in addition to offering important information on maternal and baby health. The number of newborn deaths per 1,000 live births is referred to as the infant mortality rate.

History of Infant Protection Day :

The 20th century saw a worldwide decrease in infant mortality rates, which has been attributed to social initiatives, shared trends, and scientific developments. Among these are the creation of medicinal innovations like penicillin and safer blood transfusions, as well as better cleanliness, access to healthcare and education. In the first half of the 20th century, reducing infant mortality in the United States required addressing environmental variables. The number of baby deaths per year in the United States was significantly reduced thanks to improved sanitation and access to clean water.

Significance of Infant Protection Day :

According to Statista, sepsis/meningitis, premature birth problems, intrapartum-related events, and congenital abnormalities are the main causes of infant mortality globally.

As of 2021, Somalia, Afghanistan, and the Central African Republic have the highest infant death rates. Singapore, Slovenia, and Iceland have the lowest infant mortality rates worldwide. Over the past few decades, there has been a steady decrease in infant mortality in the US. With 27 newborn deaths for per 1,000 live births in 2020, India does not have one of the highest or lowest infant mortality rates in the world.

Fortunately, according to the World Health Organization, the infant mortality rate globally has fallen from an estimated 65 deaths per 1000 live births in 1990 to 29 deaths per 1000 live births in 2018. (WHO). In 2018, there were 4 million fewer newborn deaths annually than there were in 1990 (8.7 million).

Tips To Keep Your Baby Safe

Here are a few tips for parents to keep their children safe at home:

• Use a flat, sturdy surface for your infant to sleep on.
• For all of the baby’s daily naps, place your hands on the back of his or her head or neck.
  Keep your kid from becoming overheated by anything.
• Never share a bed with your infant; instead, have a separate room for the two of you to sleep in.
• Keep loose bedding and soft items away from your baby’s sleeping area.