Accidents are the main cause of injury and even death in children. People only relate accidents to traffic accident or accidents in outdoor activities. However, as a matter of fact, the place where people regard as the safest place–home–hides many “hazards” The main cause of home accident is general negligence of safety at home.

1. INFANT SAFETY AND PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS
Accidents are the main cause of injury and even death in children. People only relate
accidents to traffic accident or accidents in outdoor activities. However, as a matter of fact,
the place where people regard as the safest place–home–hides many “hazards” The main
cause of home accident is general negligence of safety at home.
PREDISPOSING FACTOR
Because children are often absorbed in their own immediate interests they can be oblivious to
their surroundings. They only have a limited perception of the environment because of their
lack of experience or development. They are not aware of the consequences of the many new
situations that they encounter daily.
1. Small stature - This may prevent a child from seeing above an obstruction or being
seen by an adult.
2. Inquisitiveness - Curiosity and a spirit of adventure may lead a child into danger.
3. Bravado and horseplay - Boys are particularly prone to showing off and over
reaching their abilities, especially among friends. Many accidents are caused by
horseplay involving pushing, shoving and wrestling.
4. Stress - Tensions at home and emotional upsets caused by temper, jealousy and over
excitement may cause a child to run blindly into danger. Such action may even be
deliberate to seek attention.
5. Inexperience -A child’s interpretation of a situation may be inaccurate and adults
looking after small children should be aware not to expect too much of them.
6. Inadequate supervision - Children need constant supervision. Medicines, pills and
toxic substances should be locked away and fires and stairs should be guarded.
COMMON ACCIDENT INJURY
1. Accidents
2. Drowning
3. Burns and scald
4. Poisoning
5. Suffocating And Choking
1. Accidents
Falls are by far the most common causes of accidents in the home; they account for 44 per
cent of all children’s accidents.
Most falls involve tripping over on the same level. However, the most serious consequences
result from falls between two levels, such as falling out of a highchair or falling from a bed.
The worst injuries are sustained when a child falls from a great height or lands on something
hard, sharp or hot.Children have also died or have been seriously injured by heavy objects
such as furniture and televisions being pushed or pulled over them. Sets of drawers, in a
child’s eyes, make ideal climbing frames but, if unsecured, they pull over easily.

2.  Be sure that baby is not left alone on high surfaces unless proper barriers are
in place to prevent baby from rolling off. The safest place for a newborn when
not being held is on the floor or in a crib with the sides up and no pillows or
toys inside. Never leave baby alone on the table or counter top! Keep a hand
on baby at all times.
 Keep toys, stuffed animals and pillows out of the crib.
 Use gates/barriers to keep your baby away from dangerous areas such as
stairs.
 Do not leave baby alone with pets until they have adjusted to each other
 Fit a safety gate at the top and bottom of stairs
 Furniture and tall kitchen appliance, at risk from being pulled over, should be
secured to the wall.
 Never leave babies unattended on raised surfaces.
 Keep floor dry.
 Always ensure bed-rail of the baby cot is raised when the baby is in the cot.
CAR SAFETY
Car accidents are a leading cause of death in babies and children, as well as a major
cause of permanent brain damage, epilepsy and spinal cord injury. Most of these
deaths and injuries can be prevented with the proper use of car safety seats. A sudden
stop at 30 miles an hour can have the same crushing force on child’s brain and body
as a fall from a three story building.
 Everyone in the car should be properly buckled up every time.
 Neverhold your baby in your lap while riding in a car, even for a short ride.
 children to ride in the back seat, if available in a child restraint device until
they are at least 8 years old or weigh 80 pounds.
 Read all car seat instructions, and check the owner’s manual of your car before
installing the car seat into the car.
 Always use the correct car seat for the age, weight and height of child. A car
seat with a 3 or 5 point harness is recommended by safety experts. (5 point
harness is safest.) Do not use infant carriers, travel beds, backpacks carriers,
etc. in place of a car seat.
 Car seats that have been involved in a crash should not be used. Even if there
is no visible damage, the plastic shell may be weakened.
 Infants less than one year and less than 20 pounds must be placed in a rear
facing car seat. Most infant carrier style car seats can only be used until 20
pounds. After that, use a convertible car seat still rear facing.
 The rear facing car seat should be in a semi-reclining position at a 45 degree
angle.

3.  Never place an infant in the front seat with a passenger side airbag. The back
seat is always the safest place for your infant or child. In fact, children 12
years old and younger are safest in the backseat.
 On warm or hot days, check the metal parts of the car seat to make sure they
are not too hot. You may wish to cover a car seat that is left in the car with a
towel when not in use.
 Do not wrap baby in blankets or heavy clothing before placing in the car seat.
Do not place extra padding under the baby. Secure infant snugly with harness
straps and then cover with a blanket if desired.
 The baby’s buttocks and back should be flat against the back of the seat.
 Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, not even for a minute. A child 6 years
old or less may not be left alone in a vehicle if the health or safety of the child
is at risk, the engine is running, or the keys are in the ignition (unless
supervised by someone at least age 12).
Glass-RelatedAccidents
The increased use of glass in the home has led to more glass related accidents. Every year
children die following an accident with architectural glass. Many children are also injured
when glass tumblers and bottles break.
PREVENTION
 Use safety glass to (laminated, toughened or glass which passes the impact test) in
all replacement windows and doors - especially at low level. Laminated glass is good
for safety and security
 Make existing glass safer by applying shatter resistant film
 Always clear up broken glass quickly and dispose of it safely
 Buy a greenhouse or cold frame with special safety glazing features or isolate with
fencing.
PLAYPENS
 A wooden playpen should have slats no more than 2-3/8 inches apart.
 Buttons on your baby's clothing should be larger than the netting holes on
mesh playpens to prevent a button being caught and possibly choking your
baby.
 Check to see that the playpen is sturdy and has no sharp edges, especially on
the hinges.
 Keep the sides up when your baby is in the playpen.
 Provide close supervision.
HIGH CHAIR

4.  Always secure the safety strap. Be sure there is a strap between your baby’s
legs, as well as a waist strap to prevent your baby from slipping out.
 Check for sharp edges and rough surfaces.
 Keep high chair away from stoves, electrical cords and other areas where your
baby could be hurt..
Strollers
 Check for stability and sharp or rough edges.
 If you use a folding stroller, be sure all parts are firmly locked into position
before placing your baby in it.
WALKERS
 Walkers have a very high rate of accidental injury and should not be used.
 Studies have also shown that walkers hinder proper muscular development for
standing and walking.
CRIB SAFETY
 Place your baby on his/her back when sleeping. Do not place your baby face
down or on his/her side. Inform your baby’s caretakers about the same
information.
 Place your baby on a firm, tight-fitting mattress in a crib that meets current
safety standards.
 Be sure the mattress fits snugly against the sides and edges of the crib.
 Check to see there are no sharp edges or cracked, chipped paint.
 Do not use paint containing lead for baby furniture
 Do not use bumper pads, pillows, large floppy toys or stuffed animals that
could smother your baby.
 To prevent suffocation, never put baby to sleep on a soft surface (e.g., pillow,
couch cushion, bean bag chair or water bed.)
 Never use plastic bags from the cleaners on a crib mattress.
 Keep the mattress in the lowest position and the side rails up and locked when
your baby is in the crib.
 When the rail is in the low position, keep one hand on your baby at all times.
 Do not string toys across crib opening.

5. Items stuck in a nostril or ear, - like small stones, chewable vitamins, pebbles, and peas.
Cuts and scratches
Cuts and scratches caused by sharp fingernails (either your baby's own or some other
child's), pets, sharp objects (like knives, appliances with blades, and glass or other
breakables), sharp edges of furniture, and sticks and other pointed objects outside.
Contusions - bruises under the skin—caused by bumps and falls.
Eye injuries - caused by dust, sand, chemical sprays, or other types of foreign matter in
the child's eye.
FIRST AID FOR ACCIDENT
1. Don’t panic. Call for help if necessary.
2. Check the level of consciousness of the infant/child.
3. Examine the child if airway is clear (e.g. can talk, cry or not); if breathing is adequate
and circulation is normal (observe colour of the face, depth and rate of breathing).
4. If breathing and circulation are normal, check for any other injuries on the body.
5. If bleeding occurs, ensure there is no foreign body in the wound. Apply direct
pressure to stop bleeding by covering a clean gauze on it and add pressure on the
gauze by hand. Elevate the injured limb.
6. If deformity is seen on the injured part, do not move it and call for help immediately.
2. DROWNING
Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death among children, and it can happen in
bathtubs, toilets, buckets, swimming pools, and areas of open water.
Children can drown in less than 3cm of water. They should be under constant supervision
when in or near any water.
Children under age 4 are especially at risk, as it takes only 1 inch of water and a few
moments for a child to drown.
 Children can drown in a bathtub, toilet bowl or pail of water.
 When bathing baby, plan ahead to avoid interruptions.
 Never leave a young child unattended in the tub. If you must leave, take your
child with you.
 Never leave a young child alone outdoors, especially if there is a pool, spa,
pond or even a bucket of water.
 Bucket filled with water must be covered and keep children away from it.

6. 3. BURNS AND SCALD
Scald by hot water, burn by fire; touch on hot objects such as cooking utensils, etc.
To avoid burns:
 Do not smoke or drink hot liquids (such as coffee) near to or while carrying
your baby.
 Ensure milk, congee or other foodstuff is at a reasonable temperature before feeding.
 Ensure proper fence or door is installed at the entrance of kitchen. Such must be
closed at all times. Instruct children not to go into kitchen.
 While cooking, pay extra attention to the stove fire and the cooking utensil. Turn the
pan handle away from the front, and close to the wall.
 When running a bath for a child, always test water temperature beforehand.
 All hot objects including an iron or containers with hot matter must not be
placed near the margin of a table. Avoid using tablecloth.
 Install smoke alarms in your home.
 Protect baby from direct sun, and keep baby indoors during the hottest part of
the day. Cover your baby’s body with a light blanket and/or long sleeves and
pants. After your baby is 6 months old use a sunscreen made for babies when
taking baby on outings. Always have baby wear a hat as well.
 Keep electrical cords out of baby’s reach.
 Use safety caps on electrical sockets.
 When cooking, turn pot handles away from the front of the stove.
FIRST AID FOR BURN AND SCALD
1. Do not panic. If necessary, call for help.
2. Examine the child if airway is clear (e.g. can talk, cry or not); if breathing is adequate
and circulation is normal (observe colour of the face, depth and rate of breathing).
3. If breathing and circulation are normal, check for the burn or scald injures on the
body.
4. Rinse the injury site with tap water for about 10 minutes. If the child feels chilled,
stop rinsing.
5. Cover the injury site with a sterile gauze. Dress with bandages.
6. Never apply toothpaste, soysauce or other ointments on the injured sites.
7. Do not puncture any blister.
8. Do not tear off any burned clothing that sticks on the injured site.

7. 4. POISONING
Most poisoning accidents involve medicines, household products and cosmetics. Some
poisoning agents can cause breathing difficulties - seek medical attention immediately.
 Place household chemicals in higher cabinets out of baby’s reach.
 Use child resistant caps on any medicines.
 Keep rubbing alcohol, powders, lotions and creams out of your baby’s reach.
 Powder, perfume or talcum is not recommended for use around babies.
 Avoid buying plants with poisonous leaves or berries or those that can irritate the
skin.
 Keep indoor plants out of reach, as many are poisonous if eaten.
Lead poisoning
Children between the ages of six months to six years are at a high risk of lead poisoning.
Lead poisoning is an illness caused by swallowing or breathing lead. Children in this age
group will put their hands and other things in their mouths. Their bodies absorb lead more
easily than adults, and lead can do more damage to children since their brain, organs and
bones are still developing.
Lead is found in:
 Paint
 Soil
 Glaze
 Folk medicines (greta, azarcon, alarcon, Maria Luisa, paylooah)
 Some cosmetics
 Vinyl mini-blinds made in Asia and Mexico
 The workplace (i.e. machine and auto repair shops)
 Imported foods in lead-soldered cans
 Water coming through bronze or copper pipes
Lead-based paint is the most common source of lead poisoning in children. Painted surfaces
crumble into household dust, which clings to objects children may put into their mouths. This
is the most common way the lead gets into a child. Some young children may eat paint that is
peeling or chipping.
5. SUFFOCATING AND CHOKING
Children can swallow, inhale or choke on items such as small toys, peanuts, food, toys,
batteries, bottle caps, coins, balloons, marbles and other small objects.

8. Babies and small children are most at risk from choking because they examine things around
them by putting them in their mouths.
Cause:
Accidental swallowing of foreign body, strangulation, covering of head by blankets,
accidental suffocation by pillow while baby sleeps in a prone position, near-drowning etc.
PREVENTION
 Be sure to keep all small items that could cause baby to choke out of baby’s
reach. Be especially careful with small toys that belong to older siblings.
 Never feed baby hard pieces of food, as they may cause choking.
 Avoid toys with cords. Never put baby’s pacifier on a cord.
 Keep cradle gyms high out of baby’s reach.
 Keep balloon strings and curtain cords out of reach of young children. Latex
rubber balloons are not recommended for children under five years of age.
Mylar balloons are safer for younger children.
 Choose toys appropriate to the age of the child. Avoid toys with detachable small
parts
 Ensure that small objects such as marbles and peanuts and small toys are kept out of
reach of children under three years old
 Encourage older children to keep their toys away from their younger playmates
 Pull cords on curtains and blinds should be kept short and kept out of reach
 Never use pillow for baby under one year of age. Do not use large and heavy blanket.
Never let the blanket cover the face of children during sleep.
 Avoid sleeping with baby on the same bed.
 Never leave children alone in a bath tub or basin filled with water.
 Bucket filled with water must be covered and keep children away from it.
Sleeping Positions
The safest position for sleeping babies is lying on their backs. Always place baby on his/her
back and To develop; muscular strength for crawling and walking, your baby should spend a
certain amount of “tummy time” while awake.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
SIDS is the sudden death of an infant under one year of age, which remains unexplained after
a thorough case investigation. Although physicians and scientists do not know what causes
SIDS, they have determined that there are some things parents can do to reduce the risk of
SIDS:

9.  Put baby to sleep on his/her back.
 Breastfeed baby.
 Maintain a smoke-free house and car.
 Use a firm mattress for baby's crib.
 Use tight fitting crib sheets.
 Keep baby’s sleep area warm, but not overheated. (Keep it at a temperature
comfortable to you.)
 Do not place pillows or stuffed toys in the crib.
Secondhand smoke
Secondhand smoke is the smoke that comes from the end of a burning cigarette and the
smoke breathed out by the smoker. Secondhand smoke can make a healthy infant sick.
 Keep your home smoke free.
 Do not smoke or let others smoke around baby.
 Never smoke in the room where baby sleeps.
 Never smoke while feeding, dressing, washing, or playing with baby.
 Never smoke in the car when child here
CONCLUSION
Accident could not be completely avoided, but its occurrence could be prevented. To prevent
accident to children should pay more attention to safety. If accidents happen, stay calm and
call for help immediately.

10. BIBLIOGRAPHY
 Dorothy R. Marlow & Barbara A. Redding (2001).Textbook of Pediatric Nursing(6th
ed).
Philadelphia: W.B Saunders Co
 Dutta Parul(2007)Pediatric Nursing(1st
ed)New Delhi:Jaypee Brothers
 Lippincott.Manual of NursingPractice(2005) A.Parthasarthy(2007)IAPTextbookof pediatrics(3rd
ed)New Delhi:Jaypee Brothers
 http://www.rospa.com/homesafety/adviceandinformation/childsafety/accidents-to-
children.aspx
 http://www.cbwchc.org/project/brochures/pdf/Preventing%20Childhood%20Accidents_Toddler
s_Web_Eng.pdf
 http://www.cdc.gov/safechild/pdf/National_Action_Plan_for_Child_Injury_Prevention.pdf