A DISTRAUGHT mother has spoken out about a traumatising accident involving her child, saying she “still dreams about” the “worst day” of her life.
She urged others not to make the same mistake and told them never to put their baby’s seat “on any surface other than the floor.”
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Mum-of-three Ashley posted the clip to her TikTok page, @messybunmommy1, captioning it the “most vulnerable” post she’s ever made.
Her video has racked up over 4.2 million views already, as grateful parents heed her advice.
Last June, Ashley was cooking with her partner in their kitchen.
Her nine-month-old baby was happily resting in her seat, which Ashley and her partner had placed on top of their kitchen counters.
Describing it as “convenient” and “easy,” they did so regularly, to allow their baby to see what they were doing.
And plenty of unknowing parents do the same thing everyday, unaware of the potential risk.
Horrifyingly, tragedy struck as Ashley said: “In the span of like five seconds my daughter kicked herself back and fell in the seat onto the floor.”
Rushing over to pick their baby up and check her for injury, the traumatised mum said initially her child seemed OK.
But as she held her closer, she felt her baby “tense up” and saw her “eyes roll back.”
Her daughter then began to have a “grand mal” seizure (which the NHS says is now known as a tonic-clonic seizure) and to her terror, stopped breathing.
Ashley had no idea what to do and called emergency services for help while her daughter seized for a full minute and a half.
Once her child’s seizures stopped, Ashley administered CPR until the emergency services arrived, who were initially concerned her tot could have a broken neck.
A CT scan at the hospital revealed her neck thankfully wasn’t broken, but the child had sustained a “skull fracture above her ear.”
Ashley said they were then let go as the hospital told them there was nothing more they could do to help, and that they were extremely lucky that their child hadn’t suffered a brain bleed.
She says: “Fast forward four months, she’s having seizures again, we don’t know what they’re from – I truly believe it’s from her fall.”
She said since the accident, seeing influencers and other people sit their kids on their counter tops has made her want to “scream from the roof tops.”
Struggling through tears, she told viewers: “I just want people to understand how dangerous it is, how truly your life can change in an instant from one decision – so please don’t let it be this decision.”
Grateful viewers react
Viewers in the comments were quick to praise her brave honesty, and thanked her for sharing her story.
“The bravest and most compassionate video I’ve ever seen. You’ve started a movement that will save lives,” said one person.
“We put our seven-month-old in seats like this all the time on our counter tops. THANK YOU for sharing. We will be making a change after hearing your story!” said another parent.
“As a paramedic and paediatric nurse, please tell your story again and again, because this happens a lot,” said someone else.
“As someone who works in an ER, THANK YOU for sharing this vulnerable post. It will save innocent babies lives. As a mother, I’m virtually hugging you to soothe your guilt. Prayers,” said somebody else.
“Watching this while feeding my nine-month-old in his up-seat on my kitchen island. Will never put him up there again,” commented another viewer.
How to baby-proof your house
IF you’ve got a baby coming very soon, here’s our top tips on how to get your home ready for their arrival…
Secure Furniture and Appliances: Use brackets or straps to anchor heavy furniture and TVs to the wall. Ensure that large appliances like fridges and ovens are stable and cannot tip over.
Install Safety Gates: Place gates at the top and bottom of stairs. Use gates to block off rooms that are not baby-proofed.
Cover Electrical Outlets: Use outlet covers or plates to prevent little fingers from poking into sockets. Ensure that electrical cords are out of reach or secured.
Lock Cabinets and Drawers: Install child-proof locks on cabinets and drawers, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Store hazardous substances, sharp objects, and small items that can be swallowed out of reach.
Use Corner and Edge Protectors: Attach soft corner and edge protectors to furniture with sharp edges. Consider using them on low tables, countertops, and fireplace hearths.
Secure Windows and Doors: Install window guards or locks to prevent windows from opening more than a few inches. Use door knob covers and door stoppers to prevent pinched fingers.
Maintain a Safe Sleep Environment: Use a firm mattress and avoid placing pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals in the cot. Ensure the cot meets current safety standards.
Keep Small Items Out of Reach: Regularly check the floor for small objects that could be choking hazards. Be mindful of items like coins, buttons, and small toys.
Adjust Water Heater Temperature: Set your water heater to a maximum of 49°C (120°F) to prevent scalding. Always test bath water temperature before placing your baby in.
Use Baby Monitors: Place baby monitors in the nursery to keep an eye on your little one. Ensure the monitor cords are out of reach to avoid strangulation hazards.
By taking these steps, you can create a safer environment for your baby.