November 2003

Keeping safe is child’s play with new video

Parents need to ensure their home is child-safe even before they arrive home for the first time with their newborn, says the Department of Human Services’ Director of Public Health Dr Robert Hall.

Launching a Hume City Council child safety video—funded by the Department of Human Services—to mark the start of Injury Prevention Week, Dr Hall said newborn babies were defenceless so it was up to parents and families to ensure that they came home to a safe and secure environment.

‘Even bringing baby home for the first time can have its pitfalls so the video also features sound advice on the most suitable child restraint to have fitted in the family car,’ Dr Hall said.

‘This excellent video also features information on the safest and best nursery furniture to buy and a wide range of other hints and advice on how to provide a baby-safe home.

‘The Guide to Baby Safety video promotes basic home safety principles to help new parents provide a safe home for their new arrival and emphasises their important role in keeping their baby safe.’

Dr Hall said Hume City Council’s Children’s Safety Multi-Agency Team had worked for the past year to develop the video—designed to be shown to first-time parents before their baby was born.

Hume Mayor Burhan Yigit said preventing injuries to children was a priority of Hume City Council, which had provided a child safety program to local families, community groups and professionals since April 1995.

‘The child safety program targets include new parent groups meeting at our Maternal and Child Health centres, parents with children at pre-school or childcare centres, playgroups and expectant parents meeting at community venues across the municipality.’

This video will now be a valuable resource for Childbirth Education classes run by community and hospital-based midwives across the State and will also be available in local libraries throughout Hume City.