Accidental injuries can be very costly and detrimental to the health. Imagine how much worse such trauma can be for children. Believe it or not, there is an especially high chance of household accidents that involve toddlers (1-4 years old) and boys carry much a higher risk than girls (perhaps no surprises there). While older children are more likely to experience fractures younger children remain higher at risk for accidental toxic ingestion, scalds, and burns. In general children from lower income households have been shown to suffer significantly more from these accidents, and the costs nationwide are staggering. Most severe of all the injuries, however, are those that occur by falling from heights. While most of these accidents take place living room or dining room the most deadly ones happen on steps or in the kitchen.
Why Children Have Accidents
So could these types of accidents be prevented? Why do these occur? Well, there are many factors that come into play.
- Size: Because children are much smaller their viewpoint and line of sight are smaller as well not allowing them to see over looming objects that may obstruct their view and because adults can so easily miss seeing them.
- Child’s Nature: Think about the nature of a child. Children are curious and constantly exploring new things usually experiencing the world by touching and even by putting things in the mouths. They’re also very energetic and spirited in play and not yet afraid to try new things. This can lead to disasters when not managed properly.
- Emotion Troubles: If there is tension in the home or if a day is stressful the little ones pick up on that will often act out for emotional attention. This can lead to some of the reckless behaviors (tantrums, etc.) that can lead to accidental injury.
- Insufficient supervision: Children, especially small children, left to their own devices is often a recipe for tragedy. Children should be watched and well monitored for safety.
- Lack of Experience: Adults would do well to remember that children are just learning and grasping the world and require guidance.
What Approaches We Take to Prevent Accidents With Children
Needless to say, it is a heavy responsibility that the adult bears to ensure the safety of our children, and sometimes this even extends beyond the parents. The first step to helping parents and other responsible adults in that pursuit is education. This means spreading awareness of the types of accidents that can take place and what we as adults need to do to prevent them. Community support should also play providing parents with resources and support groups where needed.
Common sense regulations are also in place, in particular, to make sure the products we enjoy and the places we visit are safe for our children.
General Safety
Remember to pay close to attention to your child at all times. Know where they are and what they’re doing, and that they are secure. Make sure your harnesses, walkers, highchairs etc. are secure for your child, and never leave bouncers on raised surfaces. Also, keep your space free of too many obstructions that may cause your little one to trip, and of course never leave them unattended on elevated surfaces.
Preventing Common Accidents
There are many common accidents that can take place wherever you may go. Sometimes these accidents can prove fatal, however, they can be prevented.
Falls
Falls are the most common household accidents and are usually caused by tripping. This means tripping mostly on a flat level, but the most deadly of falling accidents take place from raised surfaces or if something sharp, hard, or hot is involved.
These accidents can result from horseplay and are sometimes caused by falling objects. So remember to keep your floors clean (but not slippery) and free of obstructions, and any objects that could fall over or be pushed easily secure. Especially remember to keep dress drawers closed and secure as there have been documented cases of them causing injuries to children’s eyes.
Stairs and Windows
Prevention
Stairs and windows are also a source of fear. A few common-sense prevention methods may include:
- A safety gate at the tops and bottoms of your steps
- Steps free of all tripping hazards or wear and tear that cause a stumble or even a cut
- Makes sure your banisters and railings are strong, snug, and secure.
- Always have sufficient lighting for every stairway
- Secure your windows with child proof locks, but ones you can easily overcome in the case of an emergency.
- Don’t leave any objects under your windows that could give them a boost climb up.
Fires
Children starting fires is not just a thing of movies but has been documented to happen regularly keep your child safe by:
- Securing and hiding any matches, lighters, or other fire starting tools.
- Never smoke cigarettes in the house as the baby can get it second-hand, but if you are a smoker make sure to dispose of all your cigarettes and ashes properly and safely.
- Always have a safety plan in place in case of a fire, including an evacuation route and procedure
- Make sure your smoke detectors are functional and their batteries are charged.
- Remember that young children are at a higher risk than older ones for scalds and burns
Scalds and Burns
Scalds and burns are a common reason for an emergency room visit and often lead to a requirement for further hospitalization and treatment. The most common causes of scalds and burns in young children are mostly hot water related. Never leave your child alone in the bathroom and make sure to test the temperature of bath water. It may be hotter for them than it is for you. Test the heat with your elbow for safe measure. To be safe never carry hot drinks too close to young children, nor let the children near them.
Never leave hot objects like curling irons, clothing irons, or even burning cigarettes unattended and keep your child clear of them.
Glass Accidents
Glass and its increased use in homes have led to the rise of more cuts and glass-related accidents. This can relate to windows and children die each year architectural glass, but also keep in mind the glass from broken bottles and dishes.
You may reduce the risk of glass by reducing the occurrence of the glass breaking. Invest in shatter proof glass and an extra layer of security a shatter resistant film you can apply to every window surface. Always be careful when buying glass furniture and when the glass does break clean it up and clear the area immediately.
Poisoning
Most poisoning incidents that take place involve either medications, household cleaners and products, and cosmetics. In the case of a poisoning seek medical help immediately.
Prevention
- Keep your medicines and chemicals out of sight, out of reach, and if possible locked up.
- Always try to for the products have a childproof seal as much as possible.
- Never transfer these substances to new containers other than their originals.
- Try to do your research when investing in plants for the house or garden and avoid poisonous ones.
- Always properly dispose of these substances
Suffocating and Choking or Strangulation
Children can choke on pretty much anything that is small enough from toys to coins and peanuts.
As most parents are aware you should always keep your child away from the plastic bags and similar objects that may cause suffocation. Another common issue is strangulation by long flimsy objects, especially blind cords. To keep your child alive and breathing follow these guidelines:
- Never leave small objects or debris on the ground where your child can get to them.
- Make sure the toys you give your children are appropriate for their age. For example, Duplos do not present the same choking hazards as Legos and thus are safer for small children
- Never leave strings of any kind hanging where a child can reach them
- Mind places your child’s head might get caught (such as your stair banister or even an unsafe crib)
- Invest in cordless blinds or curtains (but not low hanging ones)
- Alternative you may also cut the cord so it is out of your child’s reach
- Don’t let your strings get looped or tangled, allowing for a place your child may accidentally get their necks caught.