A Close Call: The Choking Hazard That Nearly Cost a Baby's Life

Confronting the Unthinkable

As parents, we often carry a profound burden; the responsibility for our children's safety is paramount, yet it can sometimes lead to overlooked hazards in our homes. Shayna Babb, a mother of three, recently shared a heart-stopping moment that underscores this reality.

After placing her 10-month-old son Parker down for his nap, a series of routine actions led her to a shattering discovery. At approximately 12:15 p.m., Shayna noticed that Parker, who ordinarily woke on his own, had yet to stir. Concerned by his prolonged slumber, she went upstairs to check on him.

“In my mind, this was the kind of story you read in a headline,” Shayna explained, reflecting on the gravity of the moment.

A Silent Danger

Upon entering the room, Shayna found Parker peacefully asleep. In an instinctual move, she grabbed her camera, intending to capture the sweetness of the moment. But as she moved closer, her heart sank; there were black smudges on his face and crib.

“The moment I moved the camera closer, I noticed black smudges all over his crib and face—and my heart instantly dropped,” Shayna recounted.
To her horror, an artificial olive from a decorative plant in Parker's room had been chewed and cracked open, close to sealing his airways.

• Material: Artificial olive from a fake tree
• Potential Hazard: Size perfect for occluding airway

With the nursery monitor silent throughout the incident, Shayna's realization was even more alarming—no noise meant no indication of distress from her son. She meticulously pieced together the events, concluding that Parker had woken up quietly, crawled to the plant, and started chewing on the dangerous object.

The Aftermath: A Call to Action

That day, Shayna had also finished teaching a CPR course through her platform, The Medical Mamas, aimed at equipping families to handle such emergencies. “As a nurse, it was deeply humbling. And as a mom, it was sobering,” she said, illustrating the juxtaposition of her professional training against the terrifying reality of nearly losing her son.

“You can be the most 'qualified' parent, and things can still happen,” Shayna emphasized. “Grace goes a long way. So does forgiveness. And second chances mean everything.”

Lessons Learned

Shayna took swift action, removing the decorative plant from the nursery, ensuring that such a threat would not arise again. Her experience serves as an essential reminder for all parents: vigilance is critical. The most common forms of harm are often those that seem innocuous at first glance.

1. Evaluate all items within a child's reach.
2. Regularly inspect and remove potential choking hazards.
3. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.

Final Reflections

In our journey as caregivers, we must acknowledge that mistakes can happen. Yet, it's how we respond to these incidents that defines our path forward. Shayna Babb's story is a powerful lesson in vigilance, grace, and the unwavering need for parents to stay informed. As we navigate the complexities of parenting, let us remain united in our mission to keep our children safe from the hidden dangers that can arise in everyday life.