Keeping Your Baby Safe
It is a parent’s worst nightmare. You go in to check on your infant and he or she is not breathing. Would you know what to do?
It is imperative in this situation that you remain calm. To establish whether or not your child is truly unresponsive, stimulate the baby’s feet shouting “Baby, baby are you OK?” At this point your infant my startle and begin breathing. If not, shout for help as loud as you can and place the child on a firm, flat surface. Begin the steps of infant CPR.
To learn how to perform infant CPR, look for a class in your local community taught by accredited instructors. Participants will learn the proper technique to perform this lifesaving skill for babies – ages newborn up to one year of age. On an infant size manikin, students will get hands on practice doing both CPR as well has how to assist a baby that is choking. A class in CPR is recommended for anyone who has children or participates in the care of children.
Other tips to keep in mind if your infant stops breathing are:
- Know your emergency number and have it posted by the phone. In most places, this is 9-1-1.
- Know your address. Have this posted by the phone as well for people babysitting your child.
- For sitters or caregivers who come to your home, make sure that they have access to a phone at all times.
- If your baby has stopped breathing for ANY period of time, the infant MUST go by ambulance to a local hospital.
Prevention of injuries can also play a key role in infant safety.
Safe Sleep
When placing a newborn to sleep, make sure:
- Baby is placed on his or her back to sleep.
- Use a new crib that meets current safety standards or if using a older crib check to make sure there are no manufacturer recalls as many drop sided cribs have been recalled and are no longer being manufactured.
- The mattress is firm; the bottom sheet is tight fitting and is designed for the specific crib being used.
- There are no bumper pads, sheepskin blankets, pillows or stuffed animals in the bed.
- Blanket sleepers are used instead of blankets to keep baby warm.
- There is no smoking in the house or around the baby.
Choking Prevention
- Purchase toys that are age appropriate for your baby. Any item that fits through an empty toilet paper tube could be a potential choking hazard for a baby under age 3.
- Older children often have toys with small parts and game pieces, so watch carefully if your baby will be with older siblings.
- Stay away from toys with strings and small parts such as buttons or batteries that could come loose.
- When baby starts to eat table foods, avoid hot dogs cut in circles (cut into fourths after baby learns how to chew softer foods), raw carrots and apples, peanuts, and popcorn, as these foods are hard to chew.
- Always supervise baby when eating in a high chair.
Car Safety
- Your infant should ride buckled securely in his or her car seat for every ride.
- The best car seat seat is the one that fits your child, fits your vehicle and one that you will use correctly on every trip.
- Four out of five parents use and install car seats incorrectly. To check for proper installation and fit, schedule an appointment with a Certified National Child Passenger Safety Technician.
Knowing how to prevent accidents and knowing what to do if your infant stops breathing or chokes can mean the difference between life and death for an infant.