Our children are precious and home is the place where they find comfort, love and care; a place where they should feel save. But, it is also a place to explore and experience the world around them.
South Africa was once again shocked by the media report on a 15 month old who survived a near drowning in a bathtub, in Johannesburg on the 9th of June. This little fighter’s breathing is assisted by a ventilator and he’s still fighting for his life.
Did you know that household injuries are the leading source of accidental deaths in children? Statistics show that nearly 70% of kids who die from unintentional injuries at home are 4 years and under. Such a chilling fact if you keep in mind that most accidents in the home are preventable, right?
So, mom and dad, when your baby becomes a toddler the real fun begins! He’s ready to conquer the world and every day is a new adventure. This is exciting but certainly has its risks and dangers! So, how can you keep your little one safe?
Here are a few safety tips in the dangerous land of possibilities:
- Never leave a child alone in or near water. Not even for a second. (Kids need only 20cm water to drown). Don’t leave uncovered bowls or buckets of water around the house. If your baby is in the bath and the phone rings, wrap him in a towel and take him with you. Always test the temperature with your elbow before placing your baby in the bath.
- Are toilets always left closed? Is there a toilet lid-lock on the toilet?
- Cleaning products, medicine and cosmetics should be out of reach. Always buy cleaning products with a safety cap.
- Keep bottles containing alcohol out of reach.
- Never leave your child alone in a high chair. Is the chair fitted with a safety belt with a strap between the legs?
- Secure a banister at the proper height in front of stairs.
- Is there protective padding on corners of coffee tables, furniture and countertops?
- Are bookshelves and TV’s secured with wall brackets?
- Are all painted cribs, bassinets and high chairs made after 1978? (Prior to this paint was lead based).
- Keep all plastic bags away from little hands.
- Are firearms and ammunition locked away?
- Are swing sets free from rust, splinters and sharp edges?
- Are appliances unplugged when not in use with cords out of reach? All unused outlets should be covered with safety plugs.
- Always supervise your child around pets. Keep cats out of the bedroom, and use a safety net on the crib. No matter how loving your pet, it can pose a suffocation risk if it decides to lie across your newborn.
- Keep children away from open fires, matches or firelighters.
- Always use the back burner on the stove with pan handles turned to the inside.
Truth is, supervision is the best way to prevent injuries. Be constantly prepared for new skills and regularly monitor the spaces that your child plays in. Also, make sure to enjoy your little explorer!
Source: www.beneden.co.uk, www.mcleishorlando.com, top10injuries.com, www.gems.gov.za, fourwaysreview.co.za, kidshealth.org, www.caringforkids.cps.za, raisingchildren.net.au, www.sitters4u.co.za, www.urmc.rochester.edu, www.safekids.org, healthhowstuffworks.com, oureverydaylife.com, www.motherandbaby.co.uk
