Baby safety and first-aid basics you must know

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

Babies and children are normally very prone to accidents. Being the curious cats that they are, the little ones are always on the move. You should understand that they are not aware of what they are doing till they reach a particular age. 

As parents, it’s our duty to childproof the house and make sure the little one is safe. As parents, you can attend the first-aid course to learn basic things needed to react calmly and efficiently to different situations. 

Below are some of the key things you need to be aware of to keep your little one safe and healthy! 

Choking hazards

Getting objects or food stuck in an airway can be very distressing for a baby. However, if the little one is crying, they are not choking. If they are unable to breathe, cough or cry and you believe they have an obstruction in their throat: 

• Lay them face down on your forearm, with the head down low and supporting the body and head

• Give up to five back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand 

• Check between each blow to see if the blockage has cleared

• If the obstruction is still present after five back blows, put the infant onto their back, position two fingers in the centre of their chest and give five chest thrusts at a rate of approximately 1 per second 

Alternate between five back blows and five chest thrusts. If the obstruction still does not clear, call for an ambulance – but do not leave the infant unattended or alone. 

Continue the sequence until emergency help arrives. Anyone who has been treated for choking in this way should see their doctor after the incident. 

Infant or child burns 

Cooldown minor burns by holding under cold running water. Cover with clean cling film or a loose, sterile bandage. Seek medical assistance if you are unsure of the severity of the burn. 

Bleeding 

Blood loss should be treated as quickly as possible and you should wear disposable gloves if available. Tie a cloth or a kerchief over the wounded area till you get help. 

First-aid 

The first-aid box is essential in every house. You should keep a basic first-aid box in your kitchen, bathroom and car. 

Essential items include bandages, including a roll of elastic wrap and plasters in assorted sizes, instant cold packs, disposable latex or synthetic gloves, first-aid manual, sterile eyewash, such as a saline solution, triangular bandage, anti-home burns gel or spray. 

First-aid for babies 

Babies need extra attention and care during the first few months. Here are a few safety hazards you should keep in mind: 

1. Falling or crawling off an elevated surface 

Make sure you always keep one hand on your baby. As far as possible, leave the baby on the ground, so the risk of fall is minimum. Never leave your baby alone on the bed. 

Grandma’s Tip: Be extremely careful while giving a bath to your baby! Make sure the water is not too hot or too cold. Keep it lukewarm. Don’t leave the little one alone near a bucket of water. Dip your elbow in the water to check the temperature. It’s better to be safe than sorry. 

2. Sleep positions 

Make sure there is no risk of suffocation while sleeping. 

3. Car travel 

Make sure there is a car seat for your baby. It is better not keep the child on your lap. 

4. Feeding bottle 

Make sure you don’t leave the feeding bottle in your baby’s mouth alone for a long time. You take it with you or make someone watch the baby while feeding. 

5. Choking 

There should not be any choking or hazardous stuff in the bed while making your baby sleep. Remove bibs and anything around the neck of your baby. Remove pillows to reduce the risk of SIDS. 

6. Pacifier 

Give your baby pacifier before she goes to sleep. 

7. Door Latches

Make sure all the latches at home are well above the reach of your little one. Always keep an eye on them. Never leave them alone in rooms. 

8. Medicine 

All tablets and syrups should be kept locked inside the cupboard. 

9. Burn from a hot drink 

Do not drink anything hot while nursing your baby. Make sure your friends and relatives do not drink anything hot while handling your baby. 

10. Objects out of reach

Keep all sharp and heavy objects out of reach. They could be locked in cupboards or kept high up so that your child can’t reach. 

Calling for help 

Call for help if you are in the following situations 

• Your child is unresponsive or unconscious

• Your child has choked on something

• He has sustained any burns 

• He is running a high temperature 

• If your child has consumed poisonous substance by any chance 

Safety of your baby is the topmost priority. Always be cautious and make sure your little one is within your sight. Happy parenting! 

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.