‘NEVER TURN YOUR BACK’
I’m sharing a heart-stopping video of baby rolling off a changing mat as a vital warning to all parents
A MUM has shared a video warning what can happen if you take your eyes off your baby when they’re on a changing table.
Nikki Jurcutz, founder of child first aiders Tiny Hearts Education, said falling from that height “could be life-threatening for a young baby”.
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In the video, a parent turns their back on their child to get something from the other side of the room.
The baby, lying on a changing mat on top of a dresser, rolls onto its side and begins to climb off.
Losing its footing, the child's entire body drops off the furniture.
Thankfully, the parent spots the fall just in time and catches the youngster.
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Writing on the clip posted to Instagram, former paramedic Nikki said: “That was close.”
One person commented: "Never turn your back."
The fall could have been seriously dangerous, and has inspired her rule for parents when changing nappies.
She said: “A fall from this height could be life-threatening for a young baby.
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“I want to share a rule that I have in place whenever my baby is on the change table.
“If you are taking eyes off your child, even for a second, place your hand on top of them first.
“If you can’t hold your baby and reach for what you need, don’t do it — ask for help.”
Nikki, from Australia, has previously shared advice on how to tell if a child’s fall is dangerous, should the worst happen.
You should ring 999 or take your child to hospital if the fall is more than double their height, even if they don’t have any symptoms, she said.
If they have any period of a loss of consciousness or vomit more than once after banging their head, you should also bring them to A&E, she said.
However, minor injuries can be treated with an ice pack for 10 minutes, and then followed up with a GP if you notice anything concerning, she said.
The NHS recommends you call an ambulance if your child stops breathing, is struggling to breathe, is unconscious, has a cut that will not stop bleeding, will not wake up, or has had a fit.
You should take them to A&E if they have a leg or arm injury and cannot use the limb, health bosses say.
How serious are head injuries?
MOST head injuries aren't serious, according to the NHS.
But it's important to get medical help if you or your child have any symptoms after a head injury.
This indicates you might have concussion that can last several weeks.
You should go to A&E if you or your child had a head injury and have:
- been knocked out but have now woken up
- vomited (been sick) since the injury
- a headache that does not go away with painkillers
- a change in behaviour, like being more irritable or losing interest in things around you (especially in children under 5)
- been crying more than usual (especially in babies and young children)
- problems with memory
- been drinking alcohol or taking drugs just before the injury
- a blood clotting disorder (like haemophilia) or you take medicine to thin your blood
- had brain surgery in the past
You or your child could have concussion. Symptoms usually start within 24 hours, but sometimes may not appear for up to three weeks.
You should also go to A&E if you think someone has been injured intentionally.
Source: NHS
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