5 Common Home Accidents That Involve Children… and How to Avoid Them
As a parent, your child’s safety and well-being are of paramount importance to you. Tragically, unintentional injuries are the most common cause of death and injury among children in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 9.2 million children between birth and 19 years old are treated in emergency rooms for accidental injuries each year.
Although car accidents are the leading cause of death for children, other leading causes of death and injury occur largely in the home. Fortunately, there are many steps parents can take to reduce their child’s chances of being seriously hurt in an accident at home.
One way parents can lower the risk of injury is by knowing where injuries occur and what areas of the home are more hazardous for kids.
Five Common Home Accidents Injuries
1. Suffocation
Children less than one year old are more likely to suffer injuries and death due to suffocation than any other age group. For infants younger than one year, suffocation was responsible for two-thirds of fatal accidents.
Parents can reduce the risk of suffocation by following recommendations for safe sleep for babies. According to SafeKids.org, parents should only use cribs and crib mattresses approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. Parents should also avoid placing potentially hazardous materials in a baby’s crib, such as pillows, loose blankets, stuffed animals, and crib bumpers.
2. Falls
Falls are another common source of injury for young children. As little ones learn to walk and eventually run, they are prone to a few cuts and bruises along the way. When children are unsupervised, however, they can sustain serious injuries.
The Mayo Clinic cautions parents to always supervise children, especially around stairs and other hazards. Parents should also ensure that windows are properly locked. Although baby walkers may look cute, they can also be a source of injury, as children can easily tip them over or stray too close to stairs.
3. Burns
From an early age, most parents teach their children that ovens and other appliances are “hot!” or “ouch!”. This is an excellent strategy, as burns are a leading cause of injury among young children. Babycenter.com cautions parents to watch out for seemingly unlikely sources of burns, such as hot water, as babies and children have sensitive skin that can be easily burned by too-hot bathwater. Check your water heater’s temperature to ensure it is set no higher than 120 degrees.
4. Furniture Accidents
Children are natural explorers. Unfortunately, curiosity often compels them to climb, which can lead to serious injuries if they climb top-heavy furniture. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has launched a campaign called “Anchor It!”, which urges parents to anchor furniture firmly to the wall to prevent dangerous tip-overs.
5. Animal Bites
Dogs may be man’s best friend, but not all dogs are friendly. Furthermore, even a mild-mannered dog can become agitated or irritated around a young child, who may not realize he or she is hurting the dog. Young children may pull an animal’s hair, tug its tail, or unintentionally choke it by giving it a hug. The CDC reports that, among children, kids between the ages of five and nine are most likely to suffer a dog bite.
Parents can help reduce the likelihood of a dog bite injury by always supervising their kids around dogs. Never assume an animal is friendly. Furthermore, always obtain the permission of the dog’s owner before approaching or petting the dog.
Keeping Kids Safe at Home
Childhood accidents happen, but it is fortunately possible to avoid injuries by staying alert, teaching children to avoid hazards, and removing potentially dangerous items from your home or out of your child’s reach.
If your child has been injured due to someone else negligence then you can speak with an experienced personal injury attorney for legal help. Call us at 561-361-8677.
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