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 For all of us minor accidents are a part of growing up. Very often these accidents cannot be avoided. In many cases they teach us a little more about the world around us. At times serious accidents do happen and result in serious injuries and even death. Many of these can be avoided with a little care and thought and perhaps a little training. The most important thing is to learn to recognise and cope with the dangers around us. This can be achieved not by preaching but by
practicing and setting a good example. It is impossible to prevent all accidents, but to be aware of dangers lurking around us is always a big help. An important fact to remember is that the danger of accidents is always greater at times of stress or when we are in a hurry. Accidents are more likely to happen at such times.
 It is important to remember that our world is primarily designed by adults for adults. Nobody wants to hurt a child but forgetting the special needs of children does make the world a little more unsafe for them. Often when accidents involve children, the consequences are serious causing much pain and stress. Home ought to be an epitome of safety. But more often than not a household has several pitfalls and any of the several harmless items of daily use, can prove to be deadly, if not used and stored properly. In our pursuit for better living we set up several death traps in our homes. We tend to ignore the unsafe conditions and unsafe acts leading to tragedies.
Very young children or toddlers are at a great risk in the designed for adults world. Toddlers by nature are curious and tend to put anything and everything in close proximity into their mouth. This can lead to choking and suffocation. These accidents happen often when young children are left alone. A simple item like a polythene bag can be dangerous and can suffocate if a child pulls it over his or her head.
 These days we prefer to use a sleeping bag for babies but take care to see that the baby does not snuggle down too far inside the sleeping bag. If necessary roll up a towel to put in at the bottom of the bag. A dummy nipple on a long string or ribbon can get caught or twisted and strangle a baby. If the baby has to be given a nipple, pin it with a safety pin and a short ribbon. A feeding baby should never be left alone. A baby left alone with a propped up bottle can choke.
Beware of open weave nylon cardigans and cardigans with cords or ribbons threaded through the neck. They can catch on a hook or knob in a pram or cot and pull tightly round the baby’s neck. Putting things into the mouth is a process of learning for babies. They can easily choke on small things like buttons, coins, tiny toys and any loose part, like glass eye of a toy. Babies and young children with teeth yet to develop should not be given peanuts or chunks of vegetables like carrot. They are a common cause of choking in children.
(Continued next week)
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