Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

You have probably read the statistics and your doctors and other professionals have also informed you the dangers and possibility of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, SIDS. However, you may be thinking "that happens to other people", "the children who have died of SIDS were with parents who smoked, placed their child on their stomach to sleep, etc." This can happen to you, when least expected. "According to a recent report from Ontario's Office of the Cheif Coroner, 21 children died from unsafe sleeping arrangements in 2005, a rise from 16 in 2004." (Parents Canada Fall 2007)

Follow the simple rules below to assist in preventing SIDS within your family.

1. NO TOYS or activities in the infants crib.
2. NO pillows or large blankets in the infants crib. Instead of using blankets place your child in a snuggly sleeping bag.
3. All infants MUST sleep on their back.
4. DO NOT allow your infant to co-sleep with yourself or a partner.
5. DO NOT place bumper pads of any sort in the crib. Ensure the crib and mattress are properly fitted and secure.

Speak with a medical professional, your doctor or a childcare consultant if you have any questions regarding SIDS or to have a home safety check in your home. As a busy parent your continuous love for your child should encourage you to ensure safety of your child is your number one priority!

Educate & Motivate

I was browsing through research articles and information I have collected over the past and really wanted to share one with you. Possibly you came across it in the Globe and Mail on June 20th/06. You can view the artcle on the Globe and Mail website "Children are dying because few adults know CPR" By ANDRÉ PICARD, PUBLIC HEALTH REPORTER.

Chances are if you are reading through this blog, have ever took the time to learn CPR, have a first aid kit in your home and have all emergency numbers located close to a phone you are already leading a SAFE PARENT lifestyle. I now strongly encourage you to educate and motivate your friends, co-workers and family members to participate in a CPR course. Here is why:


Educate!
According to Picard's article as reported in the Globe and Mail June 2006, "The research shows that 98 percent of children who suffer cardiopulmonary arrest...die. It also concludes that one of the principle reasons for this dismal record is that so few Canadians know CPR" The study that was conducted is the largest to date, with over 11 years of data collected and analyzed within Ontario children.

Take a moment to educate somebody within your social network. Are they aware that if they took 2-3 hours out of a day to learn CPR they could save the life of a child, possibly the life of their own child? Together if we educate others on the importance of knowing CPR, we can touch and save more lives!


Motivate!

Motivate others to participate in a CPR course. Give it as a gift at a baby shower, birthday, or just because you care! Picard reports that according to the study conducted"...chances of survival triple when a bystander performs CPR. But the new study found that adults attempted CPR in less than one third of cases when they witnessed a child stop breathing."

We know the power of CPR and its lifesaving benefits if conducted in a timely manner. I challenge you to take a moment and allow a friend or family member to become empowered by learning a lifesaving technique that could save the life of a child!

Those who require CPR as a certification for employment or certifications are required to renew each year. It is strongly suggested that all individuals re-take a CPR course every year. Every week take a few moments to review your SAFE PARENT manual and ensure you are familiar with the CPR techniques including compression and breathing rates.

Love, Laugh and Be Safe!

~A

First Aid Kit 101

Keeping a first aid kit on hand at all times will enable more ease and comfort in a stressful situation. First aid kits are extremely useful for all family homes and cars. It is also useful to create a smaller first aid kit to fit into your purse, diaper bag, backpack or even pocket. Band-Aids and antiseptic wipes always seem to be needed when you are least expecting it. A quick swing at the park could lead to a bump or scrape that may need medical attention along with love and cuddles.

You can make your own first aid kit from materials you may already have or be able to purchase. However, pre-made and 'ready to go' first aid kits can be purchased at pharmacies, most department stores, sports stores and grocery stores.

Common Items:

* Topical antibiotic cream (ie: polisporin)
* Hydrocortisone or antihistamine cream (insect bites)
* Sterile gauze pads (various sizes)
* Bandages
* Safety pins
* Thermometer
* Scissors
* Tweezers and needles (to remove splinters, etc.)
* Gloves (for protection)
* Large plastic bag (disposing bloody bandages, items to be transported to hospital, etc.)
* Extra Epi-Pen (if applicable)
* Butterfly bandages
* Adhesive tape
* Salt (leeches)
* Ice packs
* Calamine lotion
* Cotton balls
* Cotton swabs
* Pocket mask
* Hot water bottle
* Insect repellent
* Matches
* Non-adhering bandages (burns)
* Paper and pencil
* Triangular bandages
* Waterproof tape
* Hand cleaner
* Small flashlight and extra batteries
* Syrup of Ipecac (use only if instructed by poison control!)
* Sunscreen lotion
* Aloe Vera
* Safe Parent Manual- First Aid Section
* Eye patches
* Paper cups

Remember that this is a base list of items for your first aid kit. Ensure that you customize your kit to meet your family’s needs. Keep a main first aid kit in your home, cottage, car, etc. Create a small pack to take with you for outings (ex: a few bandages, ice pack, antiseptic, etc.)

Now that you have educated yourself go out and get started building your own first aid kit! Let the children help and become familiar with the material inside. This way if an injury occurs stress and discomfort may be eased, as well as any 'scary' thoughts that may be going through your child's mind in any first aid minor injury.

Until next time...
~A

Are You REALLY a SAFE PARENT?

Take a moment to ask yourself....AM I REALLY A SAFE PARENT? Do you know what to do if your child has a nosebleed, how to splint a broken arm, what to do if a child goes into anaphylactic shock? Have you ever took a Car Seat Safety Clinic? Have you ever took your child to a Bike Safety course? Do you own a first aid kit for in your home, have supplies in your car, and at the cottage? Do you have your electrical outlets covered properly, and do you cook with the pot handles on the stove facing in?

I am not educating you to become a safety drill sargent, but you should be aware of safety issues within your home, including toys, outdoor and indoor safety, and emergencies. All it takes is one afternoon of learning to SAVE your child's life!

I created this blog with the intention to work with DeGrace Energetics SAFE PARENT program, in a non-formal manner, to continue to educate and network with parents and caregivers regarding home safety, consumer recalls, first aid and CPR information, boating and swimming safety and much more!

Stay tuned for another post coming soon!

~Amanda