When it comes to children, the maxim? All care is little? It is more than coherent. Indoors, which for an adult can be just a piece of furniture or a routine activity with a child around can become a real trap.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, about 5,000 children, ages 1 to 14, die each year from accidents. Also according to the Ministry, studies show that 90% of cases could be prevented with prevention. To avoid accidents at home and make the house safer for the little ones, it is essential to take some actions.
According to pediatrician Claudia Renata L. Silva, the kitchen is the most dangerous place in the house. Therefore electrical appliances should be kept out of the reach of children and they should never handle them on their own. While cooking, try to keep them away and also place the pan handles facing the inside of the stove. Prefer a gas valve cooker with safety device. This will prevent the child from touching it and letting the gas leak.
Sharp knives and utensils can be placed in tall drawers to make access difficult. At the table, care should be taken with the towels. "If a child pulls the towel, everything on the table will fall on it, and hot foods can cause burns of up to 3rd degree," explains the doctor.
In a stairway environment the handrail is essential, as well as a suitable floor to prevent slipping. Avoid using rugs in these places. All unused outlets in the house should be sealed with safety straps or covers. This will prevent the little ones from putting their little fingers in the holes of the sockets. Apartments or houses with more than one floor should have window screens and locks that can only be operated by an adult.
In the service area, the concern should be with cleaning products. Try to use non-flammable products and keep them in a safe place, out of reach of children and preferably locked. Never reuse soda or food packaging to store cleaning products.
Everywhere, Everywhere
At bath time children should be supervised. The bathroom can present many hazards at once, such as a slippery wet floor and an attached electrical appliance. Keep medicines in locked cupboards and out of reach of the little ones. Avoid leaving appliances such as electric razors and dryers plugged in and store them in a safe place.
If you have a bathtub in your bathroom or you use plastic tubs and buckets, never leave babies unattended while bathing and empty the containers as soon as you use them. If you have a pool, even a small plastic one, do not leave them uncovered and prevent children from having access to them if they are alone.
Household furniture can pose a risk to children if they have corners in passing or traffic places. To avoid accidents use specific protectors. In the bedroom, one must observe the children's toys. Make sure they drop small pieces that can be swallowed and that the toy has the INMETRO (National Institute of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality) seal that certifies the tests as to the risks they can offer the child.
Improving the Safety of Children (May 2024)
- Children and adolescents
- 1,230
