Every parent wants their home to be a haven for their children. Yet, accidents such as poisoning, falls, burns, and choking remain among the leading threats to young children’s health and well-being. As paediatricians, our priority is to equip families not only with medical knowledge but also with practical strategies for effective prevention. Ready for practical tips? Let’s explore how some simple changes can keep your children as safe as possible!
Why Accident Prevention Matters
Accidents and injuries in early childhood are common—and often preventable. Children, especially those younger than five, are natural explorers. Their curiosity helps them learn, but also puts them at risk for unintended harm. Recent years have seen a rise in serious accidents, from medication poisonings to injuries due to small household items. Recognising risks and addressing them proactively is essential.
The Top Home Hazards—And How to Guard Against Them
1. Medications: Out of Sight, Out of Reach
Medications are a top cause of accidental poisoning in children. Over-the-counter remedies for pain, colds, or allergies are dangerous if misused.
- Always store medications (including vitamins and supplements) in a locked cabinet, high out of reach.
- Keep drugs in their original packaging with child-safety caps. But also remember, child-resistant caps are not necessarily childproof.
- Double-check dosing for every medication, especially with medications that come in different strengths. For instance, paracetamol is available in various formulations, including 100 mg drops and oral suspensions in strengths of 120 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg per 5 ml.
- Never refer to medicine as “candy” to encourage your child to take it; this can lead to confusion.
- Always check the expiry date on the pack before administration.
2. Household Cleaners, Chemicals, and Cosmetics
Bleach, detergents, drain cleaners, and even hand sanitisers can cause burns and poisoning.
- Place cleaners and chemicals in cabinets secured with child safety locks.
- Avoid storing chemicals under sinks or in low drawers.
- After use, promptly put containers back in their safe storage spots.
- If skin or eyes come into contact with a chemical, rinse thoroughly for 15 minutes and seek emergency assistance.
3. Small Objects: Batteries, Magnets, and More
Button batteries can cause life-threatening injuries if swallowed. Magnets, coins, and small toy parts also pose a risk.
- Routinely check floors, low surfaces, and toy boxes for stray small objects.
- Keep button batteries far from the reach of little hands, including those in remote controls and musical greeting cards.
- Choose age-appropriate toys, avoiding anything with detachable small parts for children under three.
4. Falls, Burns, and Other Injuries
Falls are a leading cause of injury, particularly when children begin crawling, walking, and climbing.
- Use safety gates on stairs and guardrails on beds.
- Use corner safety protectors. These essential baby-proofing tools are made from soft, non-toxic materials that cushion sharp edges on furniture. They are easy to install and self-adhesive.
- Never leave infants unattended on changing tables, beds, or sofas.
- Keep hot liquids, irons, and other burn sources out of reach; use stove guards as needed.
Control and Emergency Response
Here are a few essential emergency response tips for parents in case of accidental ingestion.
- Immediately remove any remaining substance from the child’s mouth and encourage them to spit it out if possible.
- Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies such as milk, salt water, or vinegar, as these can worsen the situation (e.g., corrosive substances/petroleum-based products).
- Keep the container or label handy to inform medical personnel exactly what was ingested.
- If the child has trouble breathing, is unconscious, or having seizures, rush to the emergency room right away.
The Power of Prevention: Making Your Home Safer, Step by Step
Start with a home safety audit. Check every room for medications, chemicals, sharp objects, and choking risks.
Implement Simple Changes
- Install child safety locks on cabinets and drawers.
- Use covers for electrical outlets and limit access to blind cords.
- Replace dangerous items (e.g., loose change, batteries, etc.) with safer alternatives.
Building Safety Habits in Children
Children learn by example. Model safe behaviours and talk openly about why certain items are off-limits.
- For toddlers, use clear, simple language: “This is not for you. It can make you very sick.”
- Encourage older children to remind younger siblings about safety.
- Reinforce rules with gentle, consistent supervision and positive praise.
With proactive steps—safe storage, supervision, education, and emergency preparedness—parents can create an environment where children flourish. Small changes today can have a lifelong impact on your child’s safety and happiness.
For questions about your child’s specific needs or risk factors, don’t hesitate to speak with your paediatrician. Together, we can keep every child safe so they can explore, learn, and grow in a loving, secure home.
Dr Lakshmi Prashanth
Senior Consultant Paediatrician
Kauvery Hospital, Chennai
