How to Make Your Home Safe for Your Child
Do you know that accidents or unintentional injuries are the sixth leading cause of death in the Philippines? Of the total number of cases recorded, 40% are children and most of these incidents happen right at home. Here are the most common accidents at home and how you can prevent them:
Do you know that accidents or unintentional injuries are the sixth leading cause of death in the Philippines? Of the total number of cases recorded, 40% are children and most of these incidents happen right at home.
Here are the most common accidents at home and how you can prevent them:
Falling. This is the leading cause of death at home. Accidents happen near ladders, step stools, stairs, shower stalls and chairs.
How to prevent falls:
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Never leave small children unattended
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Hide ladders and step stools when not in use
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Keep stairs well lit
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Install safety gates at the top and bottom of the stairs
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Install grab bars inside bathrooms
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Place furniture away from windows so children won’t be able to climb and fall
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Lock windows as a precaution
Poisoning. Ingestion of harmful chemicals or substances around the house is another major cause of death among children.
How to prevent poisoning:
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Put locks on cabinets where medications and chemicals are kept
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Make sure harmful chemicals and medicine are always stored separately
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Keep poisonous chemicals in a place that children cannot access
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Never transfer household chemicals to food containers such as cans, soda and water bottles
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Store harmful chemicals immediately after use
Burns. Children may have to live with lifelong scarring and disfigurement if they are burned badly. In severe cases, burns can be life-threatening.
How to prevent burns:
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Don’t carry or hold a child while using the stove
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->If you smoke, make sure to put them out properly
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Keep candles, matches and lighters away from children
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Make sure you put out candles before you sleep
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Keep your child away from the microwave oven or stove
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Keep flammable materials away from electric outlets and cooking areas
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Keep hot liquids away from children
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Unplug appliances when not in use
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Keep a fire extinguisher ready
Choking or Suffocation. Choking/suffocation are medical emergencies that may result in death if they are not addressed quickly and properly.
How to prevent choking/suffocation:
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Be mindful of what small children do, playtime or not
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Keep small objects around the house away from children
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Do not give children toys they can swallow or toys with small breakable parts
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Do not place large stuffed toys where a baby sleeps to avoid suffocation
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Keep plastic bags/trash bags out of children’s reach
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Discourage playing with rope or strings to reduce risk of strangulation
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Learn to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when a child falls unconscious
Drowning. Drowning can happen even in bath tubs and small pools so it's always best to monitor your kids when they’re in or near water.
How to Prevent Drowning:
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Always supervise your children’s bath time
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Never leave children alone in the swimming pool
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Try installing a pool alarm so you know if children are getting in the water
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Always have a flotation device for your child
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->If possible, install a fence around pools
<!-- [if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Never leave toys in the pool. Children may fall in trying to retrieve them.
So, look around your house, pinpoint areas where accidents may occur and take the proper safety measures to keep your children safe.
How can The Medical City help you?
The Medical City’s Department of Pediatrics is your partner in keeping your child healthy and safe from sickness and disease. It has been at the forefront of pediatric medicine with over 100 pediatricians partnering with every parent every step of the way, offering 18 subspecialties to help children grow up to be strong and ready to face the world.
For more information, you may contact:
Department of Pediatrics
(02) 988-1000/988-7000 ext. 6322
Medical Arts Tower Inc. (MATI)
(02) 988-1000/988-7000 ext. 5400
References:
https://business.inquirer.net/244484/accidents-waiting-happen
https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/safety/home-pets/home-safety
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/guide/childproof-home#1
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/child-safety-at-home
https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98055567
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