Avoid dangers
During childhood, childhood accidents are the leading cause of death and serious consequences. Car accidents, falls, burns, drowning, poisoning and choking are the main dangers to which the smallest of the house are exposed.
It is important to be aware of this and put the necessary measures to avoid childhood accidents at home, on the street and in the car.
Babies 0 to 6 months: Prevention measures
-
Bumps and Falls:
- Do not leave the child alone on the changing table, sofa or bed (if you need to leave it alone for a moment, it is safest to leave it on the floor).
- Buy a crib that meets all safety measures: railing high enough and width between bars of 6 cm.
- Above the crib there should be no shelves with objects that can fall on it.
- In the car, use approved safety devices.
-
Asphyxia by suffocation:
- Never place the child on his stomach to sleep.
- Always use a hard mattress without pillows.
- Do not apply talcum powder directly.
-
Choking from strangulation:
- Do not put ties, medals or chains on the baby's neck to hold the pacifier or any medal.
-
Asphyxia from choking:
- Use pacifiers that are one piece.
- Make sure that the toys do not have small parts that can come off.
-
Asphyxia from drowning:
- Never leave the child alone in the bathtub (6 cm of water is enough for a child to drown).
- Hold the baby while he is bathing.
-
Burns:
- Check the temperature of the bottle by spilling a few drops on the hand.
- Before bathing the child, always check the temperature of the water.
- Put hot objects and liquids out of the reach of children.
- Do not drink hot liquids or smoke if you are holding your child.
-
Wounds:
- Do not leave sharp objects within the reach of children.
- Avoid playing with long, pointed objects.
-
Poisonings and Allergies:
- Put all toxic products out of the reach of children (in a high, closed cupboard).
- Always have at hand the number of the Toxicology Information Center (91-562 04 20) where all the information will be provided in case of poisoning.
Babies 6 to 12 months: Prevention measures
The baby has greater mobility, so security measures must be extreme throughout the house.
-
Bumps and Falls:
- Safety barriers on the stairs.
- Protect the corners of the tables with plastic corners.
- Make sure the child cannot open the windows.
- Do not place stools or low furniture under windows that the child can climb and climb.
- Put protectors on the doors so that fingers cannot get caught.
- Avoid long tablecloths on the table (children can stretch them and objects placed there fall on them).
- Traveling by car with an approved safety device.
- Avoid using walkers (taca-taca).
- The crib rail should measure from the mattress to the top edge, more than 60 cm.
The child must always play with supervision and the following safety measures must be carried out:
-
Asphyxia by suffocation:
- Do not let children play with plastic bags, because if they put them on their heads they can suffocate.
- Do not leave the child locked in the car alone in summer.
-
Asphyxia from choking:
- Children should not play with small objects: coins, jewelry, needles, buttons ...
- Prevent children from wearing medals, earrings or bracelets that can come off and be swallowed.
- Check that the toys are suitable for the child's age and that small parts or button batteries cannot be detached.
- Do not give children under 5 years of age nuts: peanuts, hazelnuts, pipes ...
- Teach children not to put objects in their mouth.
- Never scare a child when he has a dangerous object in his mouth as this can cause a forced inspiration.
- Try to give food cut into small pieces, being with them while they eat and observing that they chew them well.
- Prevent children from laughing, crying, or playing with food in their mouths.
-
Asphyxia from drowning:
- Place security fences in pools and wells.
- Never leave the child alone in the bathtub.
- Keep the bathroom closed.
- In the pool or on the beach go with the appropriate security measures.
- Teach them to swim.
-
Wounds:
- Do not leave sharp objects within the reach of children: knives, scissors, razor blades ...
- Avoid playing with long, pointed objects.
-
Burns:
- Prevent the child from entering the kitchen (especially near the oven).
- Place protectors around stoves and fireplaces.
- Turn the handles of the pans in when cooking.
- Do not leave hot liquids or food on the edge of tables or furniture.
- Apply sunscreen to children.
- Check the water temperature before immersing the child in the bathtub.
-
Electrocution:
- Keep electrical cables hidden.
- Install a differential switch.
- Cover the plugs.
- Do not allow children to play with electrical appliances.
- Unplug electrical appliances if they are not being used.
-
Poisonings:
- Administer only the medications prescribed by the Pediatrician.
- Store medicines and cleaning products in a safe place out of the reach of children.
- Have at hand the telephone number of the Toxicology Information Center (91 562 04 20).
(Updated at Apr 15 / 2024)