Although most household accidents are preventable, around 2.5 million children are victims of household hazards annually. They either sustain minor injuries, or they sustain more serious injuries, sometimes fatal, due to accidents. Therefore, it is essential for parents and caregivers to use their common sense when it comes to prevention as well as to educate themselves about what proper child safety devices are available for your home.

Childproofing is not a one-time procedure but an adopted way of life. Your child is constantly evolving so it is important that spotting the next potential hazard becomes second nature. The best way to PREVENT accidents from occurring is direct adult supervision and childproofing your home. Here are some other tips to get you started.

It is a good idea to get down on your hands and knees and look around from your baby's perspective. This really helps spot potentially dangerous objects. For example, an ordinary plant can be poisonous if a curious baby decides to taste it. Even toddler toys left lying around by an older sibling should not be within baby's reach. The most important place to have a safe environment is in your home.

*Facts: National SAFE KIDS Campaign's Report to the Nation and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Common Child Safety Hazards

1. Injury due to a fall – particularly from stairs, furniture and windows – is the most common home injury to children.
2. Accidental poisoning is the next most common hazard. A young child's natural curiosity and his desire to put everything in his mouth puts him at great risk.
3. Burns due to stoves, hot liquids or steam, and also electricity run a close third in the hazards list. Because their skin is thinner, young children suffer burns at lower temperatures and more deeply than older children and adults.
4. Airway obstruction, which includes choking, suffocation and strangulation, is a leading cause of injuries in children under one year of age and continues to be significant through age four. Soft bedding, pieces of food, small objects and blind cord loops are some of the major hazards.
5. Drowning and near-drownings represent another major hazard in the home. Bathtubs, toilets, buckets and swimming pools are some of the most common places for this to occur. About 90% of these drownings occur during just momentary lapses in supervision.
6. Finger entrapments in door hinges and head entrapments in railings and in furniture such as storage chests also cause many injuries.

Information Source: International Associate for Child Safety

Top 10 Hidden Dangers (PDF)

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