Accidental injuries are a major health problem around the world. Domestic accidents are the most common causes of death in children over one year of age. Every year there are many cases of children who suffer serious injuries and this is why it is so important to work to improve child safety in every home in the world.
Those most at risk of domestic accidents are children between the ages of zero and four. Falls account for the majority of non-fatal accidents, with the highest number of deaths due to fire. Most of these accidents can be prevented by having a better understanding of child safety and improving the home environment, in addition to having greater security in the products that are inside the home.
The highest number of accidents occur in the living room or dining room because it is the place where a child spends the most time. However, the most serious accidents occur in the kitchen, in the bathroom and on the stairs. Every year thousands of children suffer accidents in the kitchen, bathroom or stairs.
When do household accidents happen?
According to statistics, most domestic accidents happen more frequently:
- Between the end of the afternoon and the night
- In summer
- During school holidays
- Weekends
There are other factors that also influence the increase in domestic accidents in the home, such as:
- Stress at home
- The death of a relative
- A chronic disease
- Lack of quality housing
- The change of home or move
Distractions and inadequate supervision are often the root cause of accidents. Poor housing conditions and crowded conditions lead to a higher number of accidents. Some accidents are caused by unfamiliarity with the environment, such as when visiting friends or staying in a vacation rental.
Who is most at risk of domestic accidents
Children between the ages of 0 and 4 have the highest number of accidents at home. Boys are more likely to have more accidents than girls. Injuries in childhood are closely linked to social deprivation… children from poorer families are five times more likely to die as a result of an accident than children from wealthier families.
Why do children have accidents?
Children are often absorbed by their immediate interests and may find themselves oblivious to the environment, they are not aware of the danger that may be around them. They have a limited perception of the environment due to their lack of experience or development. They are unaware of the consequences of the many new situations they face every day. Some reasons that cause children to have more accidents are:
- They are short in stature and can prevent the child from seeing well what is around him.
- Curiousness and a spirit of adventure can lead a child into dangerous situations.
- Rough games that involve pushing or wrestling.
- Stress and tensions at home can lead to emotional upheavals that put temperament, jealousy and emotions to take blind risks. They can even put themselves in danger by attracting attention without being aware of the consequences of their actions.
- Inexperience in children's lives will cause them to have an inaccurate interpretation of situations, so adults must be aware of this so as not to expect too much responsibility at an early age.
- Inadequate supervision by adults is a cause of accidents. Children need constant supervision.
How to improve child safety
It is necessary to improve the safety of the child both in the bathroom, kitchen and other rooms of the home. To do this, you will have to take into account its evolutionary stage and degree of development and some tips:
- 0-6 months. Babies at this age begin to turn around to grab, suck ... You should not leave anything within reach that can be put in the mouth or leave it in an elevated area to avoid falls.
- 6m-1 year. He stands, sits, crawls and puts things in his mouth ... Keep small objects and dangerous substances out of reach-
- 1 - 2 years. He moves, walks, reaches the top of things, finds hidden things, climbs ... Never leave him alone. Keep hot drinks out of reach.
- 2-3 years. He is an adventurer, he likes to climb to the top, throw things away, watch and copy ... Be a good role model and always be alert. Do not have anything that can cut or cause fire within their reach - also out of their sight.
- 3-4 years. He wears adult things, understands instructions, is adventurous, and likes to explore. Go up and down the stairs alone… Continue to be a good role model, a vigilant role model and start training him in child safety so that he begins to realize what can cause danger.
- 4-5 years. They like to play exciting things, they can be independent, they ride bicycles, they like to enjoy tales and stories, in fact they can pose things and carry them out. Rules are very important to them… Keep very clear rules on safety.
- 5-8 years. You may be subject to peer pressure and may forget important things about safety… You still need adult supervision, guidance and support to avoid domestic accidents.
Children must be supervised at all times, but parents must have the necessary information to know how to protect their children from birth. When our children are young they need their parents to be their guides and to be able to protect them from dangers, to guide them where they should be more careful to protect themselves and not to run unnecessary dangers. What are the prevention and security measures you have at home?