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Accidental
injuries to infants and young children are often serious, but are
largely preventable with appropriate information and safe practices.
Young children are particularly vulnerable to accidents due to their
innate desire to explore their world and the inability to perceive
the dangers of their actions. As children learn through experience,
minor injuries are inevitable but providing a safe environment can
reduce the risks, coupled with close supervision and setting the
limits of safety. Parents should remember that they need to maintain
a constant balance between overprotecting the child on one hand
and giving him freedom in his process of learning the hazards of
his environment.
What
to do to Prevent Accidents in Young Children?
Specific
Do's
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Use
appropriate barriers for stairs, landings, rooftops and fireplaces.
Vertical banisters for windows are preferable to horizontal ones,
as children cannot climb upon them out of curiosity and risk falling
from a height.
Supervise young children particularly during the use of fireworks,
escalators, kite- flying and swimming.
Use dummy plugs to cover unused sockets and install safety circuits.
Alternatively place heavy furniture in front of them.
Keep your cupboards securely locked, as these are one of the favorite
places for young children to hide. Accidental closure can result
in choking.
Always read labels carefully before administering any medication
to the child. All medicines should be kept away from children's
reach as even apparently harmless tablets and syrups such as iron
tablets and paracetamol can prove dangerous as they look attractive
and may result in a fatal overdose if taken accidentally. Discard
all old and partially used medications.
Instruct your children to hold on firmly to swings, slides, and
seesaws while playing.
Small objects like beans, buttons, beads and safety pins must be
kept out of reach of children particularly below the age of two
years.
Teach your child to look left and right before crossing roads. Preferably,
make your child wear brightly- colored clothes, as it is safer while
walking at night.
Preferably, young children should be made to sit in the backseat
of the car. If they sit in front, the use of seat belts should be
mandatory.
Specific
Dont's
Never
leave your infant or young child alone near a bathtub, bucket, hot
iron, teapot in the kitchen, etc.
Do not allow children to play with plastic bags covering their heads
and faces, as these can cause asphyxiation.
Do not hold your baby in the lap while drinking anything hot or
while cooking.
Do not allow children to play and run with sharp objects in their
mouths. Accidental falls can result in severe lacerated wounds in
the mouth and throat.
Do not allow children to perform new skills without giving them
proper demonstration and training.
Anticipating
potential dangers and taking simple measures will go a long way
towards preventing suffering and making your home a safe place for
your little ones.
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