by Dr. Elizabeth Martin

Many new parents worry about SIDS. Is it best to place a newborn on her back, tummy or side?

Conventional wisdom changes from time to time. The current thought is that a baby is safest sleeping on her back. More importantly, when it comes to preventing SIDS, do not
place pillows and blankets in the crib. Babies may smother themselves with these items. Also, keep a baby monitor in the room. This won’t prevent SIDS but will lessen a new mother’s anxiety!

With several E. coli outbreaks in recent years, are public pools safe? What about public wading pools for toddlers?

Municipalities generally do an excellent job of maintaining pools and keeping swimmers safe. The best thing a parent can do is making sure that your child is not the source of the problem. Use swim diapers, no matter whether the pool is public or privately owned. As you learn your child’s habits, don’t allow them in the pool if you think your baby will have a dirty diaper. Most importantly, don’t allow your child, no matter what age, to go near a pool or wading pool without proper supervision. Your child is at a greater danger to drown than contract an illness from E. coli bacteria.

Kids push so hard for independence. How can parents tell if their child is ready to stay home alone?

Boy, this is a tough call. As a parent you know your child best. Start by allowing your child to stay alone for a relatively short time, such as when you run to a neighbor’s house. Then graduate to a slightly longer period, say 30 minutes at most. This is as much about your comfort level as the child’s. Carry a cell phone and make your child memorize the number. Have a drill on what to do in an emergency. Have phone numbers for neighbors readily available for both you and the child in case an adult is needed quicker than you can get there. In the end, the question is “What am I comfortable doing as a parent?”

According to the Muscogee County Division of Family and Children Services:

• Children 8 and younger can never be left at home alone
• Children 9-12 can be left up to 2 hours
• Children 13 and up can be left up to 12 hours and can care for other children considering the maturity level of the child.

Elizabeth M. Martin, M.D., is a family practice physician at the Winship Clinic, P.C. She is a 1992 graduate of the Medical College of Georgia and has practiced in Columbus for 11 years. Her office can be reached at (706) 256-0700. The advice in this column is general and not intended to constitute a medical consultation or imply a doctor/patient relationship with any person. You are encouraged to seek medical advice from a licensed medical provider as necessary.