When faced with an infant emergency, it’s easy for parents to feel overwhelmed or unsure about what to do. Panic often leads to mistakes that can delay proper treatment or even worsen the situation.
Instead of erring on the other extreme and rushing down to the A&E department, it is more important for parents to recognise symptoms promptly, and to intervene in a timely manner to manage the emergency correctly. When parents are not prepared for such critical moments, the likelihood of errors—such as delaying professional help or mismanaging choking—can increase dramatically. For instance, infants are more susceptible to complications from conditions such as severe infections or respiratory distress because their immune systems and airways are still developing.
“We regularly conduct first-aid and emergency response training for our teachers so they can respond quickly and appropriately in times of crisis,” says Imelda Anthony, Principal of St Joseph’s Home Infant & Childcare Centre. “By staying updated on the latest guidelines and best practices, we aim to give both our staff and parents peace of mind, knowing that children under our care are in safe hands.”
Learn how to correctly identify and manage these high-stress situations with these 7 scenarios.
Delaying Professional Help
Common Mistake: Many parents try home remedies or wait “just a bit longer” before consulting a doctor. While some symptoms can resolve on their own, serious conditions such as severe dehydration or difficulty breathing shouldn’t be ignored.
Correct Approach: If your infant exhibits signs such as persistent high fever (above 38°C), laboured breathing, excessive vomiting, or unresponsiveness, seek medical attention immediately. Call 995 for an ambulance or go straight to the nearest emergency department. According to MOH guidelines, a quick response is critical in preventing complications.
Incorrectly Handling Choking
Common Mistake: When an infant chokes on food or a small object, some parents try to scoop out the object with their fingers or pat the child’s back while the infant is upright. This can push the object deeper or fail to dislodge it.
Correct Approach: If your baby is conscious but unable to breathe, cough, or cry, KKH recommends performing infant back blows and chest thrusts:
- Place the infant face-down along your forearm, supporting the head and neck.
- Give up to 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
- If the object doesn’t dislodge, turn the infant face-up and give 5 chest thrusts using two fingers on the breastbone.
Repeat until the object is expelled or the infant can breathe again. If the baby becomes unresponsive, call 995 and start infant CPR if trained.
Mismanaging Fever and Over-Reliance on Medications
Common Mistake: Parents often panic at the sight of a rising fever, immediately administering fever-reducing medications or employing cool baths without proper guidelines. Overdosing or using adult medications on infants is dangerous.
Correct Approach: A fever is the body’s way of fighting infections, but it should be monitored. Use an infant-appropriate thermometer to track temperature regularly. Give infant-specific fever medication—such as paracetamol—only under a doctor’s guidance, and follow the recommended dosage. If the fever remains above 38.5°C or is accompanied by symptoms such as a rash, inconsolable crying, or extreme lethargy, seek medical advice promptly.
Neglecting Safe Sleep and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Guidelines
Common Mistake: Placing infants on their stomachs or sides to sleep, or adding blankets and pillows in the crib, can increase the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related emergencies.
Correct Approach: MOH recommends that infants be always put on their backs to sleep. Use a firm mattress with no extra bedding, pillows, or stuffed toys. It is also important that the crib is free of any loose objects that could obstruct breathing.
Following these guidelines reduces the likelihood of suffocation and helps parents respond more quickly if an emergency arises.
Failing to Recognise Signs of Dehydration
Common Mistake: Some parents overlook or underestimate the seriousness of dehydration, especially if the baby appears only mildly unwell. Infants lose fluids faster than adults and can deteriorate rapidly.
Correct Approach: According to KKH, warning signs include:
- Fewer wet diapers (less than six per day)
- Sunken fontanelle (the soft spot on top of the head)
- Dry lips or tongue
- Lethargy or irritability
If dehydration symptoms worsen, seek prompt medical care. Offering small amounts of an oral rehydration solution (if the infant is old enough for fluids other than milk) may be advised by your paediatrician.
Ignoring Breathing Irregularities
Common Mistake: Infants sometimes breathe irregularly, and parents might dismiss occasional wheezing or quick breathing as normal. In some cases, however, these can be red flags for respiratory infections or conditions such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
Correct Approach: Pay attention to rapid breathing, nostril flaring, or grunting. According to MOH guidelines, any sign of respiratory distress—especially if the infant’s ribs are pulling inward—warrants immediate evaluation at a hospital. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious complications.
Not Having an Emergency Plan
Common Mistake: Many families don’t have a contingency plan for infant emergencies. This lack of preparedness can lead to confusion and delay in getting help.
Correct Approach:
- Keep a list of emergency contacts (paediatrician, local clinic, ambulance) posted visibly.
- Consider taking an infant first-aid course through reputable organisations.
- Store critical medical information (e.g., known allergies, medications) in an easily accessible place.
If you’re seeking a safe and nurturing environment that balances academic readiness with character development, consider St. Joseph’s Home Infant & Childcare Centre. Our cosy facility for infants—limited to just six— and toddlers ensures each child receives personal attention and dedicated care.
Here, children don’t just learn; they flourish—growing into empathetic, creative, and confident individuals who are fully prepared for the next stage of their journey.
Book a tour with us and we’ll show you around!