A must-see for beginners of childcare! Important things to prevent accidental ingestion of babies

When you start living with a baby, you sometimes get surprised, thinking, "What? You're going to put this in your mouth!?" For babies, it's the first time they see everything, and it's normal to "check their mouths" at anything. However, swallowing something unexpected could lead to a serious accident.

In this article, we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner the important points you need to know to prevent accidental ingestion in your baby. Just knowing it will give you a mindset, so be sure to check it out.

From the moment the baby is born, he tries to use his mouth to see the feel and taste of the object. This is something that is natural during the development of a baby. Since the sensations of the mouth develop faster than the sensations of the eyes and hands, it is a common practice to "check" the things around you.

However, this can sometimes lead to dangerous accidents such as "swallowing." It's hard to notice from an adult's perspective, but for babies everything is new and everything is interesting. First, understanding the meaning of these actions is the first step to prevent accidental ingestion.

 

[Things that are easily ingested in the house]

There are surprisingly many dangers hidden within the reach of babies. Special attention is to:

• Button batteries (remote controls, thermometers, toys, etc.)

• Coins and small toy parts

• Medicines, supplements

• Capsule-type detergent

• Small foods such as candy and nuts

• Living accessories such as plastic bags, stickers, hair ties

These can also be seen as "playing gear" or "food" to babies. The moment you find it, it will be brought into your mouth, so it will accidentally ingestion occurs faster than an adult could imagine.

 

[What should you do if you accidentally swallow it? 】

If your baby accidentally swallows something, it is important to calmly observe the situation rather than making a self-determination. **And the response will depend on what you swallow.

• If you swallow something dangerous, such as a button battery or a magnet, immediately call an ambulance or go to the hospital. Don't let it vomit.

• Even if you have sharp objects or chemicals (medicines, detergents, etc.), don't force yourself to vomit and consult with Poisoning No. 110 (072-727-2499 or 029-852-9999).

• If your throat is clogged and you are feeling uncomfortable, use first aid measures such as a "back tapping technique" that taps your back, and if you are likely to stop breathing, call 911 immediately.

In any case, consulting and visiting a specialized institution is the key to protecting your life, rather than checking and asking if it might be okay.

[Habits to prevent accidental ingestion from today]

To prevent accidental ingestion, no special preparation or tools are required. The important thing is to "take a little care" in your daily life.

First, if you squat down from the baby's gaze and look around the room, you will notice a small object that adults find difficult to notice. For babies, pen caps left on the floor or small parts rolling under the sofa, they become "toys."

Also, make sure you don't leave small items within reach of the baby. "Let's leave it here for a moment" can lead to unexpected accidents, so make sure to return any items you have just used to their original locations immediately.

It is important to check the target age carefully for toys. Toys that don't suit the age or that parts tend to come off are more likely to cause accidental ingestion, so be careful.

Similarly, adjust the size, shape and firmness of the food as your baby grows. Small round foods tend to clog your trachea, so you should not let your guard down. With just a little consideration, the risk of an accident can be greatly reduced.

 

【 Rethink the environment as you grow】

Babies grow surprisingly quickly, and it is often the case that they are now reaching "where they didn't reach until yesterday" today. That's why it's very important to review the environment regularly, not just once you've settled for safety.

If your baby starts to move more rapidly, review the furniture arrangement and where to place items at that point to make sure there are no dangers hidden in unexpected places. In particular, it is recommended to check frequently to see if any small items fall on the floor or under the furniture.

When you buy new appliances or furniture, be careful not to overlook any parts or packaging materials that may lead to accidental ingestion around them, or to avoid overlooking them.

Another thing that is surprisingly easy to forget is the risk of accidentally ingesting while you are out. In the homes of grandparents and acquaintances, things that are dangerous to babies can be casually placed. Even when you go out, make sure to look around from the baby's perspective and create an environment where you can spend your time in peace.

This small accumulation of awareness will help protect the baby's safety and create a space where the whole family can spend time in peace.

 

【summary】

Accidental ingestion of babies is one of the risks that can occur in any household and cannot be careless.

However, just knowing "why do it in your mouth", "what's dangerous", and "how to deal with it" can greatly reduce the risk.

Small attention and ingenuity in everyday lifeLet's incorporate it and create an environment where your baby can grow safely. "Preventing accidental ingestion" is an important first step in protecting children's lives.