Child Safety (Part II) -Dangerous Falls
Babies tend to fall and any fall taken by a baby is very dangerous. It has been recorded that about eight children die every year from falling out of windows and 3,000 are injured.
There are window guards that you may purchase to ensure your child’s safety. Screens will not prevent your child from falling out. You should remove all furniture from any windows. Always accompany your children on balconies or decks to keep them from the edge.
Stairs are a very dangerous place for children as well. You should keep them blocked off. If you chose to use a gate at the top of the steps, you should use one bolted into the wall. If your child manages to knock a gate down and falls down the steps, it could be even more dangerous.
Try to wipe out the high places available to your child. Beds are a risky place for your child. The bed should have safe guards on all sides to prevent falls. For older children, always help them up and down the steps. Keep the stairs clean and clear of toys. When your child is in a highchair, swing, or stroller, you should always ensure that they are well strapped in.
Never put toys on top of furniture. Your child may attempt to climb on the furniture to get to the toy. Avoid letting your
children play on concrete or asphalt, where they have a greater risk of falling and causing head trauma.
