Child safety, an important issue in a parent's life
By Donya Betancourt
SANUR, Bali (JP): Child-proofing and child safety are two of the most important topics in a parent's life. Accidents can cause a child's death, so prevention and constant supervision are the best way to keep children safe.
Three questions always come up when discussing child safety: when, how and what injuries can occur at different ages?
Most pediatricians, however, do not have time to provide such counseling to every family during office hours.
Today's column is about what injuries may happen and how to prevent them in each stage of development.
Q: How should I make the environment safe for my new baby?
A: You can start with the following:
* Safe baby furniture, because suffocation is a major cause of death for babies.
* In the crib or cot do not use a pillow or soft toy, duvet, any kind of plastic covering objects, loose quilts or ties on bedding. Keep disposable diapers out of your baby's reach. Make sure the cot mattress leaves no gap in which a baby's head might get wedged.
* Never leave heavy blankets or clothing draped over a crib railing where they could accidentally fall into the crib and cover the baby's face.
* Do not put a cloth diaper under your baby's face in his crib to catch drool, as it can be the cause of suffocation.
* Sleeping on the back is safer than sleeping on the side; avoid sleeping on the tummy.
2. Car safety restrains (car seat).
3. Safe hot water temperature from the tap <120 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Smoke detector in the child's sleeping area; smoke can cause SIDS.
I want to buy a car seat, what should I check for?
Features to check and look for are:
* Has the restraint been approved by an accredited Highway Transportation Safety Administration?
* Remember improper use of a car seat can be almost as dangerous as not using it at all. Make sure the seat comes with a proper use and care guide. The middle of the backseat is the safest place to keep the car seat. An infant must face the back of the car until he can sit up by themselves or until he weighs 20 pounds.
When your baby outgrows the car seat, use a booster seat until he is old enough to use the car seat belts and shoulder straps (at least 4 years old).
What injuries can happen to children different ages?
It is impossible to be with your child all the time, so you must create a safe environment for him. You must be able to recognize life-threatening dangers and get him out of the way. After you have done that, your child will still have accidents -- bumps and bruises are part of growing up.
The accidents that could kill your child are drowning, choking, suffocation, strangulation, poisoning, severe burns and hard falls.
These are simple guidelines for injury prevention:
* Newborn: Safe baby crib, water temperature, smoke detector and car restraints.
* Two to four weeks: Review above. Bath safety (temperature of water), sun exposure protection (avoid going out in the sun between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
* Two months: Review above. Emphasize use of car restraints, protect the child from falls (window and stairway guards/gates), rolling, do not leave unattended on bed or changing table, caution about hot liquid, burns.
* Four months: Review above. Emphasize keep small objects out of reach to prevent choking.
* Six months: "Child-proofing" house in preparation of mobility; a 30 cc bottle of syrup of ipecac for poisoning first aid; car safety; walkers and stair gates, window-guards; bathtub safety, electrical cord and outlets, burn risks (never allow the child in the kitchen when there is cooking); discuss with your pediatrician baby walkers or baby bouncers before using them.
* Nine months: Review above. Emphasize toddler car restraint when weighing more than 20 pounds; ingestants, e.g. small objects; peanuts, grapes, hot dogs, burns.
* Twelve to 15 months: Reinforce a 30 cc (1 oz) of syrup ipecac and poison control center number; tap water at maximum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit; kitchen, stair, water and car safety; fences, gates and latches; burn risks.
* Eighteen to 24 months: Emphasize supervised play near street, in driveway; yard, pedestrian and playground safety; dangerous climbing; never leave unattended in car or house; unsafe toys, plastic bags and balloons.
* Three years: Review above. Emphasize car safety restraint; street and water safety; animal and pets; teach full name, emergency number and address
* Four to five years: Review above. Bicycle and pedestrian safety; water safety; car seat, booster or seat belt; refuse food or rides from strangers; electrical tools, fire arms, matches, and poisons; know emergency phone number and address; home fire safety drills.
* Six to eight years: Bicycle safety; seat belt; learn to swim; child supervision when away.
* Ten to 12 years: Review above. Skateboard and bicycle safety; drugs, alcohol and tobacco; supervise potential hazardous activity; sport safety.
* Fourteen years: Risk-taking behavior; encourage responsibility for health and health behavior choices.
* Sixteen to 20 years: Responsibility for health; driving safety; substance abuse; CPR training.
Accident-proofing is a continuing process. You must anticipate your baby/child's changing abilities and keep up with the constant goings-on in the house. Once your awareness changes, you will be the best person to child-proof your home.
-- This article is meant to be interactive. Readers are encouraged to ask questions about subjects related to kids' health through features@thejakartapost.com, letters or direct to the writer -- a pediatrician based in Bali -- through her e-mail address: drdonya@hotmail.com.