why I hate the LifeVac

Oooh, this might be a controversial one but I’m fired up about it. Please know I am just a mom, although I have done some research and I did consult my paramedic and medical nerd husband on this (who I will note had more training than the inventor of the LifeVac, lol)

Have you seen these ads? The one with the mom screaming out “help! Help!” Over and over again on a backyard camera with her unconscious toddler in her arms. Horrific. And not in the least bit educational, these ads are meant to scare you. To send new moms rushing to purchase their $70 anti-choking device. And it works, I see so many moms purchasing these “just in case”. They will even buy two or three to have stashed in multiple spots. But the research here is questionable and it’s my opinion that there is currently more harm than good in putting our trust and our dollar behind these devices.

At the end of the day, do your own research and make your own choice. Maybe one day this device will be studied and improved to the point where I change my mind. But the fact is it will never replace the value of being first aid trained.

Here are some resources to google if you want to know more:

“Consumer Reports Life-Vac article by Angela Lashbrook”

“The Guardian: Warning over use of anti-choking suction devices on children”

“MedlinePlus.gov Choking first aid infant under 1 year”

Consider signing up for a local CPR and first aid class! It’s not hard to find a one day course that will probably cost less and be more reliable than any device.

#lifevac #momlife #sahm #motherhood #parenting #lemon8parenting #momsoflemon8 #parentsoflemon8 #firstaid #babyledweaning