By Registered Health Visitor – Julia Headland
The month of June includes ‘Child Safety Week’ which is the Child Accident Prevention Trust’s (CAPT) annual community education campaign. The aim of the campaign is to get hundreds of people talking about safety and perhaps just one of those conversations may go on to stop a serious accident from occurring.
Whilst there are so many safety measures listed on the CAPT website to help families, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has identified three products that can cause devastation if used incorrectly and urges parents and carers to skill up on the risks as there is so much more to do when it comes to education around:
Baby slings
Nappy sacks
Baby baths
Baby Slings
Baby slings are an increasingly popular choice amongst new parents offering a convenient way to carry their child, hands free. As with all child-related equipment, RoSPA advocates following the manufacturers guidelines and safety advice and check the advice particularly pertaining to size, weight, and age. Importantly, remember that baby slings should never be used for premature or underweight babies as this poses a risk of death.
RoSPA advocates using products that keep your baby upright that allows you to be able to see your baby and ensure that the face isn’t restricted. Babies should be able to breathe easily, be at a comfortable temperature and be held in positions that are beneficial for them.
The Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers provides the following advice to baby sling wearers, “keep your baby close and keep your baby safe. When you are wearing a sling or carrier, please remember the T.I.C.K.S rule for safe babywearing as follows:
T – TIGHT
Your baby carrier or sling should be worn snug against you to securely hold your baby. We often use the phrase “snug hug” to describe how your baby should be held in your carrier. A comfortably tight carrier will allow you and baby to move as one which will prevent unnecessary shifting or slumping of the baby. This will also help avoid additional pressure on your body.
I – IN VIEW AT ALL TIMES
While baby is your sling or baby carrier, you should always be able to see their face and to easily check-in to avoid any airway obstructions or issues. Ensure that there isn’t any fabric from your clothes, carrier, or anything else that is completely covering your baby’s face. Frequent check-ins help you and baby stay in tune.
C – CLOSE ENOUGH TO KISS
A quick way to check that your baby is positioned high enough on your torso is to tip your head down and give them a kiss. While in your carrier or ring sling, you should be able to kiss the top of your baby’s head while they are being held in the carrier. If your baby is too low, then you likely need to wear your waistband higher on your body.
K – KEEP CHIN OFF CHEST
A major concern that can cause an obstructed airway is if your baby is slumping over. You should be able to get two fingers width between your baby’s chin and chest to keep them in optimal positioning for carrying. With their chin off of their chest, your baby will have a clear airway and can rest and relax in your carrier.
S – SUPPORTED BACK
If your ring sling or carrier is snug, baby’s back will be supported in its natural ergonomic positioning. An unsupported back may allow for movement or slumping. This is also where that “snug hug” fit comes in handy. The panel or fabric of your carrier should keep baby snug up against you in all positions.
Bath Seats
Since 2019, RoSPA has been aware of at least 5 deaths where babies have drowned while in baby bath seats. There are several bath seats and other devices that are on the market that enable a baby or young child to remain seated whist having a bath. The main risk is that the child will be left unattended, even for seconds, then the seat tipping over or becoming detached and then the child sadly drowning. RoSPA advises that if you do choose to use these bath seats, then never leave your child unattended and keep your child at arm’s length. Do not trust these seats, they are not safety devices for bathing.
Nappy Sacks
Most parents are aware of the dangers posed by plastic bags however they do not make the same link with nappy sacks. RoSPA is aware of at least 22 deaths of babies who have suffocated by a nappy sack. A typical scenario is that a parent may leave a nappy sack close to the cot for ease for example during nighttime feeds and changes. Also, parents are known to put the nappy sacks under the baby’s pram, or on the side near a window where it can be blown towards the child. Also, the sacks may be easily accessed by young siblings who don’t understand the danger.
A product safety adviser at RoSPA said, “young babies naturally grasp at anything and put it in their mouths and once they have grasped the nappy sack, they find it more difficult to let go of… Nappy sacks are flimsy and can easily fit over a baby’s mouth or nose or into a baby’s mouth. Babies under one years old are particularly at risk of suffocation and choking from plastic sheets and bags. Once the nappy sack is over their face, they do not have the manual dexterity to remove the nappy sack , which can result in suffocation.” RoSPA advises small changes:
- Keep nappy sacks away, out of reach of babies and young children
- Store them out of reach, ideally in a drawer or cupboard
- Keep nappy sacks out of proximity to cots, sleepers and prams.
If you wish to get any safety advice on other hazards to babies and young children such as button batteries, E-bikes and E-scooters, Fire safety and burns and scalds, contact the Child Accident Prevention Trust or follow them on social media.
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For those people I have not yet met, my name is Julia Headland and I am a registered health visitor and registered general nurse with a degree in public health and over 20 years of experience. I am very pleased to work alongside the Norfolk House Nursery team.
You can arrange to meet me for confidential advice or guidance about your child’s health or development; during the pandemic these consultations are being conducted by Zoom or telephone.
My consultations are free of charge and they are confidential.
You can book an appointment with me via the Norfolk House Nursery staff.
You can also follow me on social media:
Facebook: @JuliaHeadlandPrivateHealthVisitor
Instagram: jh_privatehealthvisitor