The Lifesaving Basics You Need To Know

Be prepared in an emergency and you could save a life, writes Margot Bertelsmann

- Margot Bertelsmann

BABIES AND INFANTS are little, delicate, uncoordinated and at risk of all kinds of calamities that can happen in an unguarded instant: falling, burns, accidental poisoning, allergic reactions and choking are but a few. But try not to become totally overwhelmed by fear. Devoting your thoughts to everything that can befall your baby is a stressful and joyless way to live. Rather, implement these simple lifesaving strategies in your home and try to relax the rest of the time.

PREVENTION IS BETTER MAKE YOUR HOME SAFER

Take a critical look around your home before baby arrives; but crucially, do it again after each major milestone, meaning once your baby can roll over, crawl and walk. At each stage, targeted safety precautions need to be followed.

Keep your baby’s crib clear of cot bumpers, pillows, duvets and toys as all pose a strangulation and choking hazard. Minimise the risk of cot death by putting your baby on his back to sleep, and not smoking nor allowing smoking in your home. Co-sleep safely only.