With more children staying at home during the pandemic, child safety experts voiced concern over a possible increase in child injuries and even deaths. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), unintentional injuries like drownings, burns, falls, and poisoning was the primary cause of death of children in the United States before the pandemic. With the pandemic and more people keeping their children at home, the concern among experts is warranted. But the good news is that the majority of these injuries can be prevented, and parents and caregivers can play a vital and life-saving role in protecting children from injuries.
Based on the recommendations of child safety experts, a list of child safety tips has been compiled. “When a child is injured, it can be among the scariest moments for a parent,” says Attorney Douglas Zanes from Zanes Law Firm. “Depending on how and where the child was injured, you may want to consider legal representation. Should anything happen to your child, it is important to act quickly and focus on getting your child the help they need.” Children can injure themselves in many, often typical, ways like by falling and scraping a knee. A scraped knee is not necessarily preventable as children like to run and play, so sometimes they fall down. However, when it comes to serious accidents, there are ways to be proactive and work to prevent anything life threatening from occurring. By following the rules listed below, you could be saving a child’s life.
Safety Tips for Sleeping
- Babies should sleep in bare and properly assembled cribs
- Eliminate loose or broken parts from a crib or bed
- Use appropriate mattresses for infants as poorly fitting mattresses can cause choking or suffocation hazards
- Always keep electrical cords out of a baby’s reach
- Never place possible choking hazards in a crib or bed such as strings or electrical cords
- Always place baby monitors at least three feet away from a baby
- Never place a crib or bed near windows with blinds as they constitute possible strangulation hazards
Baby Proofing the Home
- Never leave children unattended during bath time
- Adjust straps and use harnesses correctly on strollers and other products
- When changing a baby’s diapers, make sure all things needed are within reach
- Never place a baby in a swing, bouncer, or infant seat on a table, countertop, or any elevated surface
- Install safety gates on all doorways and stairways
- While changing diapers, always use restraints on changing pads
- If toddlers are placed in activity centers, on mats, or in bouncers, always keep them away from doors, stairs, windows, space heaters, or fireplaces
Safety and Car Seats
- Always place children facing the rear in a car seat until they reach the maximum rear-facing weight or height indicated by the car seat manufacturer.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s car seat instructions and state laws to purchase and use a car seat properly.
- Children in forward-facing car seats must wear internal harnesses
- Children exceeding forward-facing harness weights and heights should ride in booster seats
- Always ensure that all passengers have a seatbelt or are buckled up
- Always check labels and instructions for car seat use
By following the safety rules above, parents and caregivers can ensure that children are safe and protected from possible injury or life-threatening situations. Since children have been spending more time at home, it is important to guarantee their safety by following certain guidelines and child-proofing the home. This can prevent the possibility of tragic accidents and heartbreak.
It is also important for adults to consider that in addition to bodily harm, child accidents can also cause several legal issues for adults, including lawsuits, court orders, and rising insurance rates. Prevention is the best medicine, and ensuring that your children are safe while at home during these trying times is essential for their health and welfare, as well as for your peace of mind.
