This is where we will share our children's health opinion pieces, advice, tips and tricks, resources and so much more. Check back here frequently for the latest baby and child health news and insight from us!
Many hospitals across Australia have reported a surge in the number of injured kids presenting to emergency departments during the current pandemic. It makes sense – doctors warned to expect a huge spike in kids’ injuries with children cooped up at home because of the coronavirus.
According to the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, the most common causes of injury to young children in the home are falls, poisoning, and burns. Here are some tips for preventing accidents in the home, in general;
Supervision – sometimes this is easier said than done, especially with multiple children, and especially if you are working from home + home-schooling + everything else that comes with being a parent! Don’t beat yourself up for making life as simple as possible so that you can supervise your kids – even if that means screen time and pre-prepared frozen meals.
Minimise the risk – Make sure your home is as safe as possible – look for hazards and implement changes to minimise any risks present in the home.
Check out Babyology’s ‘How to set up a safe nursery: Bub & Me Masterclass with Sarah Hunstead’ for an example of how to keep the nursery safe. For more on baby-proofing your entire house, here is a great article from Better Health Victoria.
When it comes to slips/falls, it is important to understand that these are a normal part of a child’s development (e.g when learning to walk, expect many stumbles as bub learns balance). The aim is to provide a safe environment where they can practice new skills without becoming seriously injured.
The most common falls usually occur from playing on playground equipment, slips and trips, and when using toys with wheels such as skates and skateboards. The seriousness of the injuries that these result in depend on the height a child has fallen from, what the child falls onto and how they fell i.e what they hit when they did.
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For more on the above including treatment of head injuries and cuts/abrasions from falls, check out our upcoming Facebook LIVE on this topic.
Poisoning is most common in children aged five years and under, with those aged between one and three years at greatest risk. And no wonder – it is an expectation at this age that curious little ones like to put any and everything in their mouths.
It is surprising for many parents and caregivers exactly what poses a poisoning risk for little ones – any household product or medicine used incorrectly can be a poison. This includes medicines, cleaning products, cosmetics, any chemicals present in the home, and plants.
It is important to note that poisoning can occur if the substance is swallowed, inhaled, spilled on the skin, splashed into the eye, or injected. To prevent poisoning incidents;
Check out our recent Facebook LIVE on poisons for more on the above and the correct first aid for poison incidents. Please note in a medical emergency, always call for an ambulance. If you think your child has swallowed something poisonous, take the container and the child to the phone immediately and call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (if you haven’t, save this number in your phone now!).
Burns are most commonly experienced by curious toddlers who are mobile and adventurous – but are a real risk to children of all ages.
Burn injuries aren’t just a result of exposure to heat! They can also result from friction, chemical substances, and exposure to electricity.
The main cause of burns in young children is scalds caused by hot foods and drinks, steam and liquids. Even small burns can be serious depending on the location and how severe the burn is. To prevent burns incidents occurring;
Knowing what to do if a burn incident occurs is vital in the outcome of the injury. Watch our recent Facebook LIVE on burns to learn more about the correct first aid treatment – as well as busting any myths you may have heard on burns first aid! We also have this Facebook post on electrical burns treatment that we put together after a concerned Mum contacted us with her daughter’s burns story.
Remember, your child’s safety is no accident. Book your class with us today or check out our eLearning course. Gain confidence, be empowered!
In this video paediatric nurse and founder of CPR Kids Sarah Hunstead steps you through the prevention, recognition and response to choking in babies and children. Essential knowledge for every family that you don’t want to miss.
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