There are several objects and toxic substances dangerous to children at home
Dangerous objects, such as sharp objects and fire-making supplies, and toxic detergents and medications must be stored out of the reach of children. For example, older siblings’ toys may be very attractive to smaller children but they may contain small and detachable parts and thus pose a risk of suffocation.
At home, it may be useful to descend to the child’s level and see if there are elements that may fascinate the child and be within their reach.
When buying toys, it is a good idea to ensure that the toys have warning labels and instructions for use. Also follow the recommended age limits. You should also consider in advance whether the toy is easy to keep clean. Ensure that the toys are intact and clean.
Safe exercises and hobbies with the child
You should always know where the child is and what they are doing, and they should never be left unattended. The child should be encouraged to move around to hone their motor skills. Keep new hazards in mind when the child learns new skills and learn to observe and identify hazards together with the child. For example, small children are fascinated by fire, so they should be taught to handle fire correctly from a young age, but also warned of its dangers.
When playing outside, it is important to ensure that the play equipment, such as swings and climbing structures, is intact and safe. Only one person should jump on a trampoline at a time, and it should be surrounded by a safety net. Water buckets and bathtubs should be emptied immediately after use to reduce the risk of drowning.
Children need supervision, but an adult’s presence and proximity are also important for the child.
Travelling with the child
The child needs a child seat at least until they are over 135 cm tall. The child seat should be correctly sized and placed in the back seat of the vehicle. The child should travel with their back toward the front of the car until they reach the age of 3.
Use appropriate safety equipment when cycling and in hobbies. Adult should also wear cycling helmets when cycling with the child, as children start learning attitudes early. When moving by water, the child must wear a well-fitting life jacket.
Parents should learn emergency first aid skills, as there may be only a few moments to act and it will be important to know what to do. Parents should also ensure personal coping and discuss any concerns at the maternity and child health clinic, with their family and friends or at another suitable place.
Types of accidents affecting children
It is a good idea to practise climbing the stairs together with the child and teach them early to not run or play on the stairs. You should have sufficient safety gates on indoor stairs both upstairs and downstairs (for children between the ages of 1 and 3) and railings with upright bars close enough to one other. Anti-slip devices effectively prevent falling accidents, and it is a good idea to put them on the stairs, under carpets, on the bathroom floor and in the tub, for example. It is important that windows have window stoppers to prevent falling. Windows should be kept closed whenever possible. Safety locks should be installed on the balcony door and the front door to prevent the child from opening them.
It is important to encourage the child to move around and teach them safety skills, such as using protective equipment in all sports that require them (e.g., ice skating, skiing, cycling and skateboarding). You should also check the condition of outdoors play equipment, such as swings and climbing structures, regularly and make sure that they are safe.
Never leave the child near water without supervision. In other words, never leave a small child by water alone or under the supervision of older siblings. At home, always empty the bathtub and the hot tub after bathing. It is also important to empty any water containers and basins in the yard after use and keep them covered. When moving by water, ensure that children and adults always wear well-fitting life jackets.
It is a good idea to discuss safe movement in water and near water with your child from a young age, and advise them not to go swimming alone without the supervision of an adult. Early and regularly maintained water skills prevent water-related accidents.
Everyone is responsible for fire safety. Make sure that you have enough smoke detectors installed on each floor of your home and that they work. It is also important to keep the first extinguishing equipment easily accessible and to learn how to use them. Never leave the child alone with burning candles or open flames. Keep matches, lighters and hot objects out of the reach of the child. It is also important to cover the hob switches and prevent the child from reaching into the hob, for example with a hob cover.
Discuss fire safety with the child from a young age and practice handling fire together.
It is important to keep all medications, vitamins, chemicals, detergents, alcohol and other intoxicants out of the reach of the child. You should also check that all indoor plants are non-toxic. Always keep calm if you suspect a poisoning. Ask for help from the Poison Information Centre or an on-duty doctor. It is a good idea to save the Poison Information Centre’s number on your phone: +358 (0)800 147 111 (free of charge and open around the clock).
Pay attention to the safety of toys to prevent suffocation. Check the suitability of toys for the age group and ensure that small children’s toys do not have any small, detachable parts, strings or straps, any type of balls, magnets or button cell batteries. Keep small objects out of the reach of small children and teach older children to keep their toys containing small parts out of the reach of younger children. You should also teach the child to sit still while eating from a young age.
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Most accidents occur at home and during leisure time. Accidents at home and during leisure time cause significantly more sick leave than work-related accidents. Sports injuries are the most common type of accident. (STM, 2013.)
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Each year, over 300,000 accidents occur in homes. Even small actions can improve home safety and prevent accidents. It is also a good idea to have a first aid kit in every home.
