 In the last few weeks we
have talked about safety of toddlers and the safe use of electricity at home. This week
and the next week we take a look on the very common problem of falls, trips and slips,
which at times look very casual and minor but have the potential to cause unimaginable
harm. These are the most common accidents that can happen just about anywhere. Falls can
result from the general environment of the home. Household furniture, which includes
tables and other raised pieces, nursery equipment, prams and cradles, toys, stairs and
steps, windows, balconies and roofs are commonly associated with incidences of falls
involving children. Toddlers left unattended on raised surfaces or table tops, cradles or
with walkers near the stairs can fall. They can also fall from prams as a result of an
adult tripping.
 As the child grows, its mobility increases. The
spirit of enquiry and inquisitiveness takes over leading to falls from windows, stairs,
roofs and balconies. These falls can be serious. With further development, falls become a
part of their learning and exploratory experience. Physical activities like cycling, tree
climbing, outdoor play and more boisterous behaviour and tasks beyond the physical
capabilities of the child, all lead to falls. No doubt falls are an integral part of
growing up and at times just cannot be avoided, but the primary objective should be to
prevent serious injuries. Some basic improvements in the home environment and certain
structural modifications in the balconies and stairs can achieve this objective.
 Young toddlers should never be left unattended on a
raised surface or a cradle. Children should not be left alone with walkers especially near
stairs. Safety harnesses are the best bet when children are put in a pram or are seated on
high chairs. Railings on balconies should not be wide enough for a child to crawl through
or low enough to climb over easily. Safety gates should be installed at the top and bottom
of the stairs. Balcony railings should not have convenient footholds that might encourage
climbing. There should not be any furniture close to the balcony railings or windows, so
that a child may not try to climb on windows. In case you have windows that are not barred
and your furniture is easily movable, take care. A child can pull a small stool or table
up to the window to have a peep outside and fall out. It is preferable to keep the door to
the balcony closed, so that children do not go out alone.
(continued next week)
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