First aid and keeping your newborn baby safe (0-3 months)

Parenthood can be overwhelming, particularly when your baby is unwell or you’re face with an unexpected emergency. Knowing what to look for, how to respond and where to get help can give you confident – and in an emergency, these skills can be lifesaving.

The first year of your baby’s life is a time of rapid growth and discovery. As your baby grows, becomes more mobile and starts exploring their surroundings, new safety considerations can arise.

Newborn babies also communicate primarily through crying and non-verbal cues, which can make it difficult to know when something isn’t right. As a parent, you know your baby better than anyone. If your baby seems different from usual or you have a feeling that something isn’t right, trust your instinct and seek medical advice.

Emergency care for your newborn

The primary number to call for Emergency Assistance (Ambulance, Police or Fire) is 000. In the event of an emergency, please dial this number immediately.

Knowing what is normal for your baby can sometimes help you recognise when something has changed. If your baby appears to be having difficulty breathing, experiencing a seizure or showing any concerns that you believe require emergency support call 000 for immediate assistance.

It can also help to prepare before an emergency happens. Keep important phone numbers somewhere easy to find (your baby’s Child Health Record Book has some of these), know where your nearest emergency department is and make sure other people who care for your baby know what to do if something goes wrong.

Your child and family health nurse and GP can also provide ongoing support and advice as your baby grows.

For more information, visit the Raising Children Network’s guide to babies’ safety, which includes information about first aid, home safety, choking, water safety and other common risks for babies.

Newborn CPR and first aid

Learning CPR and basic first aid before your baby arrives can help you feel more prepared if an emergency occurs.

A useful first-aid framework is DRSABC:

• Danger – check that the environment is safe
• Response – check whether your baby responds
• Send for help – call 000 for an ambulance
• Airway – check and clear the airway if necessary
• Breathing – check whether your baby is breathing normally
• CPR – begin CPR if your baby is not breathing normally

CPR for babies is different from CPR for adults, so it is recommended that parents and carers learn infant CPR through a recognised, hands-on first aid course before your baby is born.

For more information, Raising Children Network has an illustrated guide to CPR for babies under 12 months, including what to do if your baby is unresponsive or not breathing normally.

A first aid fact sheet on CPR for infants is also available from St John Ambulance.

Airways, choking and strangulation safety

Babies have small airways, co keeping their face, mouth and nose clear is an important part of everyday safety. This includes checking their position when they are sleeping, feeding, travelling in a car, lying in a pram or using a baby carrier.

Symptoms may include coughing, difficulty breathing, gagging or changes to their skin colour around their lips, neck, face or fingernails.

As your baby becomes more mobile, they will also begin exploring their environment with their hands and mouth. Small objects, toys, parts of toys and some food can become choking hazards. Keep small objects out of reach and regularly check your home from your baby’s level for anything they could pick up.

Strangulation and suffocation hazards can also include blind cords, clothing, bedding, plastic bags and some baby equipment. Keeping these hazards away from your baby and following safe-sleep recommendations can help reduce the risk.

If your baby is choking, call 000 immediately and follow the advice provided by the emergency operator.

For more information about preventing choking and what to do if your baby is choking, visit Raising Children Network’s guide to newborn airways, choking and strangulation safety.

Burns, scalds and fire safety

Hot drinks, food, bath water, cooking appliances, heaters and other hot objects can cause serious burns and scalds. Babies are particularly vulnerable as they cannot move away from danger.

Avoid eating and drinking hot food and drinks while holding or breastfeeding your baby. Take care when cooking and keep your baby away from hot surfaces and appliances.

Bath time is another important consideration. Always check the water temperature before placing your baby in the bath (read more about bath and water safety below).

Make sure your home has working smoke alarms and take extra care around heaters, fireplaces, candles and cooking areas.

If your baby experiences a burn or scald, seek first-aid advice immediately. Cool running water is an important part of the initial first air for burns and scalds.

For more information, visit Raising Children Network’s advice on burns, scalds and fire safety.

Another valuable resource on burns and scalds is available from St John Ambulance.

Bath and water safety

Bath time can be a special opportunity to connect with your baby, but it also requires constant attention. Babies can drown in very shallow water, so never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a moment.

Have everything you need within arm’s reach before you start, including towels, nappies and clothing. Check that the bath water is a safe temperature before placing your baby in the water and never add more water while your baby is in the bath.

As your baby grows, water safety becomes even more important. Always supervise your baby or young child closely around baths, swimming pools, spas, toilets, buckets, pet water bowls and other bodies of water.

For more information, visit Raising Children Network’s newborn bathing guide and its bath and water safety resources for practical advice about bathing and drowning prevention.

You can also find water safety information on the Royal Life Saving Australia website.

Outside and sun safety

Getting outside with your newborn can be an enjoyable part of family life, but babies need extra protection from the sun and heat.

When UV levels are 3 or above, babies under 12 months should be kept out of direct sunlight. For babies under six months, sunscreen isn't recommended as the first line of protection. Instead, use shade, protective clothing and a suitable hat.

When using a pram, never cover it with a blanket or cloth to create shade, as this can restrict airflow and cause the temperature inside the pram to rise.

Plan outdoor activities for times when UV levels are lower and check the UV forecast for your area before heading outside.

For more information, visit Raising Children Network’s sun safety guide for babies, children and teenagers, which includes advice about shade, clothing, hats and sunscreen.

Travel safety

Your baby’s first car journey will often be the trip home from hospital, so it's important to have a suitable car seat ready before your baby arrives.

In Australia, babies must travel in an approved child car seat that is appropriate for their size and correctly installed and adjusted. For newborns, this will be a rear-facing infant capsule or car seat.

It’s also important to think about your baby’s airway when travelling. Make sure their head isn’t tipping forward onto their chest and that their face isn't covered. During longer journeys, take regular breaks and check that your baby is breathing comfortably and isn't becoming too hot.

Never leave your baby alone in a parked car, even for a short time.

For more information, visit Raising Children Network’s guides to baby car safety and protecting your baby’s airway during travel.

Insect bites and stings

Insect bites and stings are common, particularly when spending time outdoors. Most cause only temporary pain, itching or swelling, but some children can have a more serious allergic reaction.

If your baby develops difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, becomes pale or floppy, or is otherwise seriously unwell following a bite or sting, call 000 immediately.

For guidance on treating bites and stings and recognising signs of anaphylaxis, see Raising Children Network for insect bites and stings.

Poisons safety

As your baby becomes more mobile, they will start exploring their surroundings. This can mean reaching for and putting things in their mouth, so it’s a good idea to start thinking about poisoning risks before your baby becomes mobile.

Medicines, cleaning products, chemicals, cosmetics, pesticides and some plants can all pose poisoning risks. Keep these products locked away and out of reach, preferably in a high, secure cupboard.

It’s also worth getting down to your baby’s level and looking around your home for potential hazards. Check cupboards, drawers, bathrooms, laundry areas, garages and gardens for anything that could be harmful.

If you think your baby has swallowed, inhaled or come into contact with something poisonous, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for advice.

For more information, visit Raising Children Network’s guide to poisons safety for babies, including advice about medicines, household poisons and potentially poisonous plants.

For a quick first-aid fact sheet, see St John Ambulance’s guide on poisoning.

Be prepared and build your confidence

You don’t need to know everything before becoming a parent. Learning some basic first aid, knowing who to call and making your home and everyday routines safer can help you feel more prepared as your baby grows.