Injuries are common in growing child
Following Are Some Common Injuries In Child Care Or At Home-
1. Skin: abrasions, cuts, scalds and burns
2. Bones and joints: getting fingers caught in doors or drawers, fractures, dislocation of elbows or shoulders
3. Impact: bruises from knocks, head injuries from falls, eye injuries
4. Foreign objects: swallowed objects, choking, accidental poisoning, objects lodged in the ears and nose Always keep a first aid kit at home and learn how to administer basic first aid such as treating scalds, cuts or choking, which require immediate attention. Keep your child’s other caregivers informed on these actions as well.
5.Head Injuries in Children:
Knowing his developmental stages will help you to anticipate his physical abilities such as climbing ,opening containers and his mental development, such as being attracted by an interesting vase you may have placed on the shelf .
Children develop differently and have different temperaments and personalities. Is your child active or does he prefer quiet activities? Learn about your child’s character and abilities and you’ll have a better idea on how to keep him safe without being too restrictive.
Strategies for Childhood Injury Prevention-
Most common childhood injuries happen at home, where young children spend most of their time. A home environment that is suitable for you and your spouse may not suit a growing child.
Childhood injury prevention starts with making your home as child-safe as possible.
Try visualising your home environment from your child’s perspective.
You may even simulate the journey of your crawling baby to evaluate if your home is safe for his adventures. Make the necessary adjustments.
1. Remove Danger
Remove these from your child's reach-
-Sharp objects: scissors, pencils, knives, forks, etc
-Hot objects: hot drinks and food, or cooking pots on your stove
-Small objects: small toy accessories, coins, buttons, nuts, etc
-Breakables: glass containers, porcelain plates which can break and cause cuts
-Chemicals and poisons: household cleaning agents, medicines, toiletries, insecticides etc
-Plastic bags, strings and cords: objects that may cause suffocation or strangulation
-Stools or other small furniture: things your child may use as props to reach heights
2. Add Safety Measures
These protective measures may make your home more conducive for childhood injury prevention:
-Barriers: use gates for kitchens or a playpen to keep baby in
-Lock and key: install window grilles and keep them locked once your baby is able to climb
-Cover electrical outlets: electrical hazards should be kept out of reach, including wires and cords
-Furniture: secure your chest of drawers or bookshelf to the wall in case your child pulls them down
-Standing fans: secure tall-standing objects in case they topple
-Doors and drawers: use child-proof locks and door stoppers to protect little fingers
-Sharp corners: use corner guards
3. Water Safety
Some common childhood injuries are caused by wet or slippery surfaces.
Look out for the following-
-Bathtubs, toilets, pails: never leave any container of water unattended and leave the toilet cover down
-Slippery floors: keep your floor dry, mop up spills and use anti-slip mats in the shower room and toilet
-Showering or bath: always test the water temperature before turning the shower head to your child or
lowering your baby into the bathtub
4. Choose Child-Safe Equipment
-Toys: look out for small parts that may be dislodged, paint that may come off and remove batteries from
electronic toys when not in use, in case of leakage
-Meals: use child-safe cutlery and sturdy high-chairs with proper restraints
-Prevent Falls and Keep Your Children Injury-Free
-Teach Your Child to Be Safe :
As your child grows, teach him to avoid danger and injuries and to protect
himself.
-If he accidentally hurts himself, keep calm and attend to his injuries.
-Your child may get more distressed if he senses your panic.
-Use accidents as opportunities to teach him about safety.
It’s all part of growing and learning.