The falls
Fall is one of the most common accidents, even if, most often, it remains without great consequence. The first rule is to always watch our child, regardless of his age! Toddlers require special attention because they are unaware of the dangers. Securing your interior well also limits their number and severity.
If we opt for a bunk bed for our children, we must ensure that the safety standards NF EN 747-1 and NF EN 747-2 are well respected. And we install it in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The best is to fix it to the wall. And above all, we wait until the eldest is 6 years old to sleep in the top bunk. Never before!
As for stairs, one avoids waxing the steps and one sticks non-slip strips on their end. By reminding children as often as necessary not to play on the stairs!
It is almost always the head that hangs against the corner of the table or, even more painful, when Baby tries to grab an open door and hits the upright head-on! As absorbed as he is in keeping his balance, he never looks at the ground ! The smallest small car or building brick then becomes a formidable trap under his feet … So we anticipate by regularly clearing the maneuvering ground. Also, be very vigilant at the end of the day after many play sessions, when Baby, tired, does not give up walking.
The first falls
From 3 months, baby begins to grab objects within reach. It can also roll over, roll onto its side and fall, for example from our bed or the sofa. Between 4 and 6 months, he begins to try to sit still, but is not able to keep his balance. Attention, therefore, to the way in which it is now installed! Thus, we never leave him alone on his changing table. We keep a hand on him, which implies having prepared all the necessary equipment within reach, we stand in front of him because our gestures will be more precise and we will attract his gaze more easily. We take him in our arms if we have to go away.
In addition, at mealtime, we take the time to buckle the harness and the crotch when installing baby in his high chair. We do not leave a stool, for example, within reach of his feet because he could succeed in getting up by leaning on it and rocking from his chair.
Stairs and windows
As soon as our child starts to stand up, especially when his step is still hesitant, the risk of falls increases. It is therefore not left alone near a staircase or a window. It is possible to install barriers in the stairs that comply with the standards in force. At the top and bottom of the steps, fixing them seriously, either by pressure or by screws in the wall and the railing. It may be interesting for his motor skills to place the barrier in the third or fourth step, so that he can practice going up and down (backwards at the start).
From 2 years old, be extra vigilant! He now goes up and down the stairs alone. He also knows how to open doors and goes exploring. His curiosity is aroused but he is not yet aware of most of the dangers. So we never leave him alone with an open window or on the balcony. Avoid placing furniture or large objects in these places, as it could climb on it and fall. There are security systems that allow you to block windows. We also check that our child cannot pass through the bars of the balcony.
Burns
The child’s skin is fragile, and very sensitive to heat. And serious burns can occur very quickly. So special vigilance with hot water and all sources of heat that may be in the way of our baby.
Baby bottles
To warm up your bottle, you never use the microwave, which is responsible for very serious burns to the esophagus. Indeed, the heat is not homogeneous and the water cells continue to heat even though the bottle has been taken out of the oven. If you do not give the bottle at room temperature, it is better to prefer a bottle warmer, which ensures a temperature between 35 ° and 39 ° maximum. Once heated, we shake the bottle well and test the temperature by running a few drops on the inside of our forearm.
Bath water
Before installing the child in his bath, we check that the water is at 37 ° C. From the moment he grows up, sits down and stays for a while playing in the bath, it is better to install safety devices on the taps. To prevent him from bumping into it if he slips, and especially that he burns himself when opening the hot water tap. It takes only 3 seconds for it to burn to the 3rd degree with water at 60 ° C! And of course, you never leave him alone in the bathroom.
The kitchen
Children can burn themselves as much with objects as with liquids and foods. So, first precaution, we never leave him alone in the kitchen. As soon as he crawls on all fours, we explain to him that the oven door burns if our model is not equipped with a cold door. We avoid it approaching hot objects, we turn the tails of the saucepans towards the inside of the hob and we are also wary of the hobs even after they have stopped. You do not put a hot dish on the edge of the table or the worktop. And finally we do not pass next to our child with a container containing a boiling liquid. Before moving, we take the time to install baby safely in his high chair. Likewise, simple precautions can prevent a serious accident. Thus, we do not carry our child in your arms when using a container filled with hot liquid or when cooking. You don’t take it on your knees if you drink a hot drink. We also make sure that he cannot pull on the tablecloth and spill liquid or hot food on him.
Les flammes
They are also a source of danger, we must put out of reach all objects that may burn the child or cause a fire: matches, lighters, lighted candles. If the fireplace is operated, it may be worth up to about 2 years to place a suitable safety barrier (in three panels to form a semi-circle generally) in front of the fireplace or to opt for an insert. Likewise, in summer, we secure the barbecue and don’t let it get near it. The home’s electrical and heating systems are regularly checked.
Suffocation
Naturally curious, the child touches and puts everything within his reach in his mouth, but well before this stage of development, from birth, certain important rules must be observed.
In the crib
Cushions, quilts, blankets, bedspreads and soft toys in large numbers are not allowed in the cot of the baby at least up to one year, because he would risk choking. We lay him on his back, simply in a sleeping bag, with just his little blanket next to him.
Small objects and food
To avoid the risk of suffocation, it is important not to leave small objects (coins, marbles, toys, batteries, etc.) or small foods (candies, peanuts, cherry tomatoes, etc.) within easy reach of the child. child. And this is valid from 3 months, when he begins to be able to grasp objects and take an interest in everything around him.
Other risky objects that we don’t think about: we also store plastic bags, belts, cords, necklaces and scarves … and anything that he could wrap around his neck …
Drownings
A toddler can drown in 20 inches of water very quickly, without making a sound. Increased vigilance, therefore, during the bath and later swimming.
The bath
The bath is a moment of pleasure shared with your baby, but there is no question of taking your eyes off him when you bathe him! On the contrary, we prepare in advance what we need and we do not answer the phone. Better: we turn it off for a few minutes (so as not to be tempted!). Likewise, we do not leave him alone in the bathroom to go and open the door if someone rings the bell.
The pool
Our child has grown up, but the risk of drowning is also increasing … We repeat, even if it is obvious, the danger is so great: we never leave him unattended in or near a swimming pool. If we have an in-ground or above-ground swimming pool, we check that it complies with standards. And protected by a self-closing barrier.
Electrocution
Here too, the slightest danger can have serious consequences. We check our outlets and installations, and we are careful when using our electrical devices.
Electrical outlets
Alert on electrical outlets as soon as your child can crawl, because he could be electrocuted by putting a finger or an object in them. Failing to have an installation to the latest standards, we equip the sockets accessible to baby with safety devices: eclipse sockets or socket covers with suction cup or key. If possible not nicely decorated because they would attract him all the more! And very quickly, we teach him not to touch the sockets. And above all, no extension cord permanently connected.
Electrical devices and installations
Vigilance and caution are essential with electrical devices, even those that are handled on a daily basis. Thus, one thinks not to open the tap water near an electrical appliance in operation. As soon as you have finished using them, you unplug them and put them away. We regularly check the installations (sockets, switches, etc.) and check that our system cuts the current at the slightest short-circuit.
Intoxication
At the age when Baby puts everything in his mouth, three common risks of poisoning can easily be avoided.
Medication : they are always stored high up, out of the reach of children. We lose the habit of leaving it lying around on a table or in our handbag, accessible. And you never present a drug as a candy.
Household and DIY products: Household and DIY products should also be stored high up, out of reach, if possible in a locked cupboard. A household product is never transferred to another bottle, as this could lead to confusion. Products with safety caps are preferred.
Cosmetics and plants: cosmetics labels are well read: some may contain toxic ingredients if baby swallows them. Others clearly need to be tidied up: nail polish remover, hair dye… We don’t often think about it, but some plants can also be poisonous. To be checked, then!
In case of poisoning, what to do?
If Baby swallows a dangerous product:
– Call 15 or 112. Indicate the name of the product and the quantity swallowed;
– Don’t make him drink water. It aggravates burns if the product is caustic and, if it is foaming, it can cause asphyxiation by invasion of the respiratory tract;
– Do not make him drink milk, it is not an anti-poison;
– Don’t make him throw up. Vomiting can cause serious side effects;
– Call the poison control center. Keep the number in your medicine cabinet.
– In case of contact with the eyes, rinse immediately with cold water and consult a doctor.
Prevent injuries in the home
Other types of injuries can occur at home. Our advice to avoid this type of accident.
Doors and doors: He is taught not to slam doors and not to put his fingers in the frames. Particular attention is paid to heavy and sharper car doors and entrance doors.
The furniture : To prevent your child from injuring themselves, you can equip your tables with table corner protectors. There are also shockproof foam rollers to equip your different pieces of furniture.
Toys : they also commonly cause accidents. Only give him toys that meet safety standards and are suitable for his age. Check in particular that the elements cannot come off.
In the event of a serious injury, the first instinct is above all to call the emergency services: the SAMU (15), the Fire Department (18), the single European emergency number (112).
Do you want to talk about it between parents? To give your opinion, to bring your testimony? We meet on https://forum.parents.fr.