{"id":3519,"date":"2024-07-01T10:20:37","date_gmt":"2024-07-01T09:20:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.norfolkhouseschool.co.uk\/nhn28\/?p=3519"},"modified":"2024-07-01T10:20:40","modified_gmt":"2024-07-01T09:20:40","slug":"child-safety-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.norfolkhouseschool.co.uk\/nhn28\/child-safety-week\/","title":{"rendered":"Child Safety Week"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

By Registered Health Visitor \u2013 Julia Headland<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The month of June includes \u2018Child Safety Week\u2019 which is the Child Accident Prevention Trust\u2019s <\/a>(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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baby slings
Nappy sacks
Baby baths<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baby Slings<\/mark><\/strong>
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t restricted. Babies should be able to breathe easily, be at a comfortable temperature and be held in positions that are beneficial for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers provides the following advice to baby sling wearers, \u201ckeep 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

T – TIGHT <\/mark><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your baby carrier<\/a> or sling<\/a> should be worn snug against you<\/strong> to securely hold your baby. We often use the phrase \u201csnug hug\u201d 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I – IN VIEW AT ALL TIMES<\/strong><\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While baby is your sling<\/a> or baby carrier<\/a>, you should always be able to see their face<\/strong> and to easily check-in to avoid any airway obstructions or issues. Ensure that there isn\u2019t any fabric from your clothes, carrier, or anything else that is completely covering your baby\u2019s face. Frequent check-ins<\/strong> help you and baby stay in tune. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

C – CLOSE ENOUGH TO KISS<\/mark><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> or ring sling<\/a>, you should be able to kiss the top of your baby\u2019s head<\/strong> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

K – KEEP CHIN OFF CHEST <\/mark><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s chin and chest<\/strong> 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<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

S – SUPPORTED BACK<\/mark><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your ring sling<\/a> or carrier<\/a> is snug, baby\u2019s back will be supported in its natural ergonomic positioning. An unsupported back may allow for movement or slumping. This is also where that \u201csnug hug\u201d fit comes in handy. The panel or fabric of your carrier<\/a> should keep baby snug up against you in all positions.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bath Seats<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s length. Do not trust these seats, they are not safety devices for bathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nappy Sacks<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s 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\u2019t understand the danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A product safety adviser at RoSPA said, \u201cyoung 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\u2026 Nappy sacks are flimsy and can easily fit over a baby\u2019s mouth or nose or into a baby\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/em> RoSPA advises small changes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n