Tag: parenting

  • What To Do If an Infant or Baby Is Choking: A Simple, Life-Saving Guide for Parents

    By Exit Desk
    A choking emergency can happen in seconds, and for infants, every moment matters. Many New Jersey parents say they aren’t sure what to do if a baby suddenly stops breathing, turns blue, or cannot cry. This guide explains the immediate steps recommended by pediatric emergency teams to clear a blocked airway and keep a child stable until help arrives.

    If an infant under one year old is choking and cannot cough, breathe, or make sound, you must act fast. Lay the baby face-down along your forearm, supporting the head, and deliver five firm back blows between the shoulder blades. If the object does not clear, turn the infant face-up and give five chest thrusts using two fingers in the center of the chest. Continue alternating five back blows and five chest thrusts until the airway opens or help arrives.

    If the baby becomes unresponsive at any point, begin CPR for infants and call 911 immediately. Do not perform the Heimlich maneuver on infants and never blindly sweep a finger inside the mouth, as this can push a blockage deeper.

    Parents are encouraged to learn basic infant CPR and choking-response skills, especially during cold and flu season when small children are more likely to struggle with mucus, food, or small objects.

    📅 Posted: December 3, 2025

  • 🚨 Summer Water Safety: Seconds Matter

    On the second day of summer, multiple water-related incidents served as a powerful reminder that accidents happen fast. Here’s how to stay safe around pools, lakes, and beaches this season.


    Water safety starts at home.
    Accidents happen in seconds

    The second day of summer brought more than just sunshine to the Jersey Shore — it brought real, urgent reminders of how quickly things can go wrong around the water. While we won’t go into the details out of respect for those involved, we saw firsthand how fast emergencies can unfold.

    Water safety isn’t just a good idea — it’s essential.

    With school out, temperatures rising, and backyard pools and beaches filling up, here are a few critical steps that every family can take:

    💦 7 Simple Ways to Stay Safer Around Water:

    1. Always assign a “Water Watcher.”

    One adult. One job. One set of eyes on the water — no phones, no distractions.

    2. Know CPR and first aid.

    If the unthinkable happens, being prepared could save a life. Seconds matter.

    3. Fence it off.

    Make sure pools are enclosed with a self-latching gate. Keep toys out of the water when not in use to avoid attracting children.

    4. Teach kids early and often.

    Even basic swimming skills can dramatically reduce risk. But remember: swimming lessons don’t equal supervision.

    5. Use coast guard-approved life jackets.

    Especially on boats, docks, or around open water — floaties and water wings don’t count.

    6. Stay sober around water.

    Alcohol and water don’t mix — whether you’re swimming or supervising.

    7. Watch the weather.

    If thunder roars, head indoors. Storms can turn deadly on open water in minutes.

    🌊 One Second Can Change Everything

    Most water-related emergencies don’t look like they do in the movies. There’s no flailing or screaming. It’s fast. It’s silent. And it’s terrifying.

    The Exit Desk is committed to keeping you informed, prepared, and safe this summer. Please take a moment to review your family’s water safety plan — and share this post with someone you love.

    Let’s enjoy the Jersey Shore responsibly. 🌅