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Love Your Child, Prevent Injuries (1 - 3 years)

Is your toddler safe?
Injury is a major child killer. Many children are killed or disabled by injuries every year. To protect your toddler from injuries, beware of his/her behaviour and remove all potential risks.

Children aged 5 or below may not understand or remember what is dangerous. Parents should not over-estimate their ability.
Statistics show that the home is the most common place of injury in children aged 0 to 5 years.

Common injuries in toddlers aged 1 to 3 years:

Toddlers are innocent, curious, active and rebellious. They love to explore new horizons. Being able to walk, climb or even run, they search for interesting objects everywhere. They like to explore with their hands and put things into their mouth.

During this period of active growth and development, hidden traps are everywhere. Common injuries include falls, suffocation and finger pinching.

Common injuries and preventive measures:

Kids could fall or knock themselves against furniture when climbing.

1. Falls
Always keep an eye on what your children are doing. Don't let them play in the bedroom or other places without the company of an adult.
To prevent children from falling, install window guards and fences or wire meshes around balconies.

2. Suffocation
Empty plastic bags should be properly stowed or disposed to prevent children from slipping them over their heads, which could result in suffocation.
Foldaway furniture such as chairs and tables should be stowed away safely.
Avoid using curtain cords. If you have to use them, don't let them dangle. Tie them up so that children cannot play with them.

Put cords and plastic bags away to prevent suffocation.

3. Finger pinching
Beware of children when you are opening or closing the door to prevent pinching their fingers.
Fix the doors in place with magnets or use finger pinch guards so that doors remain partly closed.
Do not let children run around. Also do not let children open or close doors, cupboards or drawers. Have safety locks fitted to cupboards so that children cannot open.

Conclusion:
Most injuries can be prevented. What parents have to do is to be vigilant and learn more about childhood development so as to take preventive measures.
Parents should keep an eye on what children are doing at all times. Never leave them at home alone or put them in the care of an older child.

Parents who need occasional child care services could approach the Occasional Child Care Service or Mutual Help Child Care Centres of the Social Welfare Department. For information or enquiries, please refer to pamphlets of the Social Welfare Department or contact its Child Care Centre Advisory Inspectorate. Tel: 2835 2725



	Last revision date: 01 September 2006