Most kids love the water.  Swimming pools of all sizes provide hours of entertainment and exercise for both kids and adults.  Unfortunately pools are also very dangerous when used improperly.  In the year 2005, over 1000 children died from accidental drowning in the United States.  Toddlers and adolescent males seem to be at higher risk.  Even the survivors of near-drowning events often sustain severe brain damage.  The key to pool safety is prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics has established clear guidelines.

For most infants, the first physical exam occurs several hours after birth.  For complicated deliveries, the Pediatrician may be present at the delivery itself.  Upon delivery of the infant, the newborn is immediately dried and warmed.  The baby is monitored for normal breathing and vital signs.  Infants are evaluated by a nurse or other practicioner immediately after birth.  APGAR scores are often used to measure the baby's performance at 1 minute, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes after birth.  If there are no complications, the baby may be placed in the mother's arms and may breastfeed as soon as the infant and mother are ready.  Infants are taken to the newborn nursery for the first bath and for evaluation by a pediatrician.