Tips on child safety are provided in our latest series on child health by doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital Every day, 6,500 children end up in accident and emergency units and every year 25,000 under-fives are rushed to hospital after swallowing alien substances. Fortunately, the majority end up with only minor injuries, but some are far more serious. However, with simple precautions, many unintentional accidents can be avoided. Being aware of the different risks that children face at each age and stage of development can also help to keep the child's everyday environment as safe as possible.
Every day, 6,500 children end up in accident and emergency units and every year 25,000 under-fives are rushed to hospital after swallowing alien substances. Fortunately, the majority end up with only minor injuries, but some are far more serious. However, with simple precautions, many unintentional accidents can be avoided. Being aware of the different risks that children face at each age and stage of development can also help to keep the child's everyday environment as safe as possible.
Common causes of accidents
For children aged five and under, accidents indoors are extremely common.
Incidents of suspected poisoning peak among toddlers. Burns and scalds are another frequent source of accidental injury in young children, with 28,000 reported incidents each year. Most of these take place in the kitchen.
Another great source of danger for young children is water, especially garden ponds and paddling pools.
Outdoor and garden safety
The garden can be home to lots of potential hidden dangers from uncovered ponds, outdoor power equipment and plants. Play equipment should be properly maintained at all times. Broken or damaged toys should be removed immediately.
* Access to a road should be securely gated and locked if necessary.
* All new outdoor equipment should comply with current British Standards and be firmly fixed to the ground.
* All ponds should be fenced or covered and children in paddling pools should be supervised at all times.
* Garden utensils should be stored securely out of the reach of children.
* Children should be taught never to eat any flowers, berries or leaves, as many common plants are poisonous.
* Keep children away from areas where outdoor equipment has been left lying around.
Kitchen and bathroom safety
Kitchens and bathrooms can be hazardous places, full of dangerous chemicals, hot surfaces and liquids.
* Demonstrate what 'hot' means so the child knows why it is important not to touch.
* Keep all hot and sharp appliances and implements out of reach.
* Ensure that any children in the kitchen are supervised at all times.
* Keep hot drinks out of a child's reach and cook food on a back burner.
* Stir and shake out a microwaved drink before handing it to the child to even out any hidden hot spots.
* If possible, keep children out of the kitchen while cooking.
* Cover all unused electrical outlets.
* Ensure that the child's environment is fitted with smoke alarms.
* Fit all cupboard doors with child safety catches.
* Lock matches, lighters and flammable materials out of reach.
* All household cleaners should be kept out of children's reach and stored in a locked cabinet, along with cosmetics, medicine, alcohol and cigarettes.
* Young children should never be left unattended in a bath or around water.
Preventing accidental poisoning
When adults take the right precautions, accidental poisoning is easily preventable. It is important for carers to assess substances that might be harmful to children and to remove the potential risk. This is often easier if they try to imagine their environment from a child's perspective.
Lock all household cleaners away, and always keep medications out of reach in locked safety cabinets. Only use products with child-resistant packaging and safety lids.
Teaching children to keep safe
Children can be taught about self-protection and safety in a casual way from the age of three onwards. For example, a child can be taught their full name and first few lines of their address and phone number in the event that they ever get lost or separated from you.
* Talk to the child about playground safety - for example, not walking in front of swings and taking extra care when climbing.
* When swimming, talk to the child about pool safety, such as not running in slippery floor areas.
* Raise the child's awareness of safety issues by pointing out dangers such as leaving toys on the stairs.
* Teach the child at an early age about the dangers of talking to strangers.
* Teach a child about 999 and how to dial the emergency number.
Further information
* The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) produces useful guidelines on child safety issues. Contact CAPT on 020 7608 3828 or visit www.capt.org.uk
