Child accidents: a serious danger
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Calendar to prevent child accidents
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Every year in Although the majority of injuries have not severe consequences, parents and adults who are in charge of children have to be sufficiently informed on child accidents and under what circumstances they are produced. This is why, the Department of Health sets forth regulations for the prevention of child accidents, which are classified according to the frequency of risk factors at each age stage. Little by little, as they learn and acquire certain habits, children become more autonomous. This learning must also be focused on learning to recognise dangers and acting adequately so as to prevent them. Your paediatrician may either give you more information or solve little problems that this calendar does not fully describe. In any case, these advices can be easily applied and they constitute a primary condition for children’s protection. |
0 - 3 months
The child is a passive participant
Prevention:
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Do not let any heavy objects fall on your baby.
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Be careful with pillows and clothes, as they may cause suffocation.
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Do not leave on a raised surface.
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In a car it is not safe to hold a child on your arms. The safest way for children to travel in cars is in a child seat that is suitable for their weight and size.
3 - 6 months
The child puts everything into his mouth
Prevention:
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Keep small objects and dangerous substances out of reach.
6 - 12 months
The child crawls and is curious about his new environment
Prevention:
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Prevent the child from sticking his small fingers in electric sockets and electric fires.
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Tablecloths hanging over edges of tables or cords can be pulled down, and objects on the table may fall on them.
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Be careful when opening and closing windows and doors.
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At this age, stairs are a serious hazard.
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Never leave the baby in the bath unsupervised nor leave uncovered buckets of water around the home, as he can drown.
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At this age, use rearward-facing baby seats in the rear of the car.
1 - 3 years
The child moves about, develops curiosity and habits
Prevention:
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Medicines, pills and toxic substances should be locked away.
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Keep small children out of the kitchen whenever possible and put hot drinks or objects out of reach, as they may cause serious burn injuries.
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Most serious accidents result from falling out of highchair or a bed. Do not put anything under the window that can be climbed on.
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While in the street, children should always hold an adults hand and be under constant supervision.
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So as to avoid drowning, swimming pools should be securely fenced off. Use safe flotation aids when the child is in the pool.
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Reduce children’s risk of choking on food.
4 - 9 years
Increased autonomy of the child
Prevention:
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Children must learn basic road safety rules, such as crossing streets safely.
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Child should always seat in the rear of the car. Use a safety device to prevent the rear door from being opened.
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Children must be able to swim without support.
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Children must be informed of the safety regulations for every kind of sport activity.
10 - 14 years
Stage of great physical and psychological development of the child
Prevention:
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Children should be told about road safety.
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Avoid and prevent fire risks in the home (evacuation plans) .
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Avoid children play with certain dangerous devices, such as bangers, mini rockets, fireworks, etc.
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more...
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