Actor and new dad Rocco Nacino had a close call on August 4, when his and Melissa Gohing's nine-month-old son, Ezren Rafaello (Baby EZ), nearly fell from a table.
Rocco, who is also a nurse, shared his experience and a valuable message for new parents through an Instagram reel.
He recounted the incident, saying, "So, I just had my first scare of my life. Just a few minutes ago, hawak-hawak ko si EZ dito sa table na ito. I reached over para patayin yung isang lamok. Sa isang iglap, EZ chose to lean over to the side dito sa edge. Nalaglag siya."
Rocco managed to grab EZ's foot and prevent a more serious fall. He expressed his emotions, saying, "Naiiyak ako ngayon. Reaching out to all the new parents out there. As they grow bigger, older, lalo din lumalaki yung dangers that come along the way."
He added, "Thinking about it, kapag hindi ko siya nasalo, baka na-ospital pa kami."
Rocco's message to new parents was clear: "So, parents always keep an eye out on your children. Stop being on your phones. It's play time with your kids. Play time with them. Don't make the mistake I did. Be safe."
What to do when a baby falls
When your baby falls from a bed or a table, it's an agonizing feeling for parents. While some would say it's normal or it's part of growing up, sometimes, baby falls should be taken seriously.
Here are some safety precautions when your baby falls down, according to Very Well Family.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that baby falls are the primary cause of non-fatal injuries among children aged 19 and below.
If your baby falls but cries right away, there's no sign of bleeding or injury, and is consoled once you pick them up, you are not dealing with an emergency. You can take a moment to contact your doctor.
When to seek immediate medical attention when baby falls
However, there are situations that would require immediate medical attention. Watch out for these danger signs:
- If your infant becomes unconscious
- If your baby starts vomiting immediately
- If there is discharge or blood coming from your baby's nose or ears
- If the soft spot (fontanelle) on their skull becomes swollen
- If there are indications of a skull fracture (such as bruising, head swelling, bleeding, or a scalp wound)
- If your baby experiences a seizure
- If your baby's limbs, neck, or spine appear misaligned or deformed, and you suspect a bone fracture
- If you observe any unusual behavior in your baby, like being unusually tired or having difficulty feeding
If any of these indications are present, particularly if your baby displays symptoms of neck, spine, or scalp injury, it's advised to refrain from moving your baby to avoid worsening their injuries. Instead, call an ambulance immediately.
If your baby is exhibiting signs of a seizure, it's important not to move them either. Make sure they are positioned in a safe manner to prevent self-harm and get help as soon as possible.
Read first aid measures when a baby falls here.