Can I Prevent Gastro From Wiping Out Our Entire Household?
February 29, 2024
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When your child gets gastro, you may just accept that the entire family is doomed. But there is hope!
Amber teething necklaces are as popular as ever, but it is important to understand that they are a choking and strangulation hazard.
After several teething necklace-related incidents in the media, Commissioner for Fair Trading Victoria Thomson shared in a press release (2021) that there are a number of risks associated with amber bead necklaces;
“These necklaces can strangle or choke a child so the consumer product safety team within the Office of Fair Trading is strongly advising parents and guardians to avoid them completely due to the safety risks,”
“If children have these around their necks there is a risk of strangulation, particularly if they are sleeping in them. If the necklace breaks and the small beads are released, there is a risk of them choking if they put the beads in their mouths. Additionally, authorities are unable to substantiate the therapeutic claims made by producers of these products.”
Firstly and most importantly, it is vital that you consider alternate forms of pain relief.
Supervise the infant when wearing the necklace or bracelet at all times.
Remove the necklace or bracelet when the infant is unattended, even if it is only for a short period of time.
Remove the necklace or bracelet while the infant sleeps day or night.
Never allow the infant to mouth or chew the necklace or bracelet.
Remember to always seek medical advice if you have concerns about your child’s health and well-being.
Don’t forget to book a baby + child CPR & First Aid class so that you know what to do in an emergency 
References
QLD Government – Parents warned to avoid amber teething necklaces
When your child gets gastro, you may just accept that the entire family is doomed. But there is hope!
We can’t and shouldn’t wrap our kids up in cotton wool either – otherwise we would still be feeding our teens puree! Choking accidents do happen, and it is important to know the first aid if your child does choke. However there are four actions we can take to reduce the risk of choking in little ones. Here are the four S’s of choking prevention:
– Shapes
– Sitting down
– Supervise
– Search
