Accident Prevention

Accidents are the number one cause of death in children between the ages of 1and 16. Most accidents are preventable. Start "child-proofing" at 6 months.

REMEMBER: PREVENTION IS EASIER AND BETTER THAN TREATMENT

DO'S AND DON'TS FOR PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS:

  • Keep crib sides securely fastened.
  • Use restraints in baby feeder, carriage, stroller, car seats, etc.
  • Never prop baby bottles
  • Do not hang or tie toys to the crib (Your baby may become entangled in the string).
  • Avoid use of pillows
  • High chairs should have a broad base to prevent tipping, a safety strap, and a latch on the tray
  • Teach your child the meaning of the word "HOT"
  • Use gates on stairways to prevent falls
  • Windows should open from the top or have guards attached
  • In the kitchen area, be alert for spattering grease, keep pot handles turned inward, keep hot containers in the middle of the table at mealtime
  • Always check bath water temperature; never run hot water first, as child may fall in
  • Be alert for small objects - peas, buttons, popcorn, beads, nuts
  • Be sure broken glass and razor blades are safely disposed of
  • Use safety plugs in unused wall sockets; be sure electric cords are not frayed and secure electrical cords so lamps cannot be pulled over
  • Be careful when using plastic bags, especially dry-cleaner bags
  • Make sure that your child can't get into the Drano, oven cleaner, furniture polish, medicines, alcohol or any other toxic substance. Keep them locked up. If you are using one of these items, put it away in a secure place before answering the phone or doorbell
  • Always use a car seat or seat belts, even when in someone else's car
  • Turn water heater temperature down lower than 130 degrees so even the hottest faucet water won't burn as much
  • Don't use a lawn mower when children are playing nearby
  • No peanuts or popcorn in the house until your youngest child is 4-5 years old; raisins and gum until 3
  • Don't turn your back on your baby when he's on the bed, table or bathinette. Never leave the baby alone in the bath, even for a few seconds
  • Keep your baby away from loose cords (Venetian blind cords). Make sure no cord hangs in or near your baby's crib
  • Never tie a pacifier around your baby's neck
  • Consider a smoke alarm near the children's sleeping area. Develop and practice escape routes with children in case of fire
  • Discourage your child from running with food in his mouth
  • Teach road safety, i.e., never run into the street, look both ways before crossing. etc
  • Teach bicycle safety. Require bicycle helmet use
  • Teach water safety. Never consider a child "water-safe."
  • Never leave your baby alone in a room with pets, no matter how gentle
  • Put plants up and out of reach
  • Use safety latches for cabinets
  • Wood stoves are a leading cause of winter burns. Use safety screens
  • Curling irons are a leading cause of burns. Keep them out of reach of your child