Home accidents are one of the most common causes of child injury.Worldwide, more than two million children under the age of 15 are said to experience accidents in and around the home every year, for which they are taken to Emergency and many more are treated by GPs.
Those most at risk are from the 0-4 years age group due to their limited perception of the environment and lack of experience. Most of these accidents are preventable through increased awareness.
Falls are the most common home injuries. Three-month-old babies become strong enough to roll over and so they can be prone to fall out of bed. Therefore, it is advisable not to leave them alone when they are lying down on beds and ensure there are protective barriers around them. Children who are older can fall while climbing trees, windows, stairs or while they are on a swing or on a bike.
Burns are the second most common house injuries. To avoid burns all pots and pans should be kept away from children’s reach. When serving food, parents should make sure they do not touch the hot pots. Parents should also not drink hot beverages while they are carrying their children and ensure they don’t reach for the iron while they are pressing clothes.
As for hot water, parents should check the water before preparing the bath and should refrain from opening the hot water first.
It is important to guard against suffocation too. Don’t give children pacifiers that are attached to necklaces if they are less than three years old, . Parents should also not keep stuffed animals and pillows in their child’s crib before they are one year old. They should not leave the bottle in their mouth when they are sleeping. Children should not be given gum or nuts before the age of four and parents should not keep plastic bags near them as they might put their head in it and accidentally suffocate. Furthermore, parents should keep gas cylinders in a safe place.
Parents should cover sharp edges of tables and furniture and keep sharp cutlery away. In case a child sustains an injury, as a first aid measure, parents should clean the injury with running water, not still water.
Children might get food poisoning because of eating contaminated food, expired food or foods exposed to the sun. Parents should take due care.Parents should also store medications away from children’s reach.
- The author is specialist paediatrician at the Latifa Hospital
