Children learn about the world and how it works through active play. This is a natural and crucial part of their development – but it does create the opportunity for safety risks. As such, parents and caregivers might be called upon to treat a range of injuries in children as they grow up.
If your child suffers an injury in public, and the neglect or malice of a third party helped to cause it, then you may be entitled to compensation, which can be extracted by a competent solicitor specialising in personal injury law. It’s better to prevent this entirely, however, by taking a few precautions.
Let’s take a look at seven of the more common kinds of injury, and how they might be prevented.
Falls and Head Injuries
Children can fall while climbing. Sometimes, they might fall on their heads. To reduce this likelihood, it’s worth restricting their climbing to objects that are designed to be climbed on. Furniture and stairs are not suitable – but playground equipment is. Make sure that children don’t attempt to use an apparatus that is too big for them.
All head injuries should be taken seriously. If the patient loses consciousness or vomits, then it should be treated as a medical emergency.
Cuts and Scrapes
Children can cut themselves on a variety of objects, including thorns, nails, and the claws of the household cat. It’s essential that especially sharp objects, like knives and scissors, are kept out of reach. Many children can reach up onto the kitchen counter by the age of two – so make sure that you clear these objects away the moment you’re done using them.
Burns and Scalds
High temperatures can inflict severe injury. Therefore it’s essential that children are monitored whenever a source of heat is present. Don’t allow them to play around kettles, or around stoves where pots of sauce are boiling. Avoid running a tap scalding hot. At bathtime, use a thermometer to check that the water is at 37°C or less.
Fractures and Sprains
Fractures and sprains can often result from sudden, forceful impacts. This might mean falls from the climbing apparatus we’ve already talked about. But it might also result from high-intensity contact sports, and playfighting. Safety equipment and a good appreciation of the rules are critical. If your child can’t be persuaded to play a particular game safely, then forbid them from playing it.
Choking and Suffocation
Choking is a problem that affects people of all ages. But for very small children, who don’t yet understand what represents a choking hazard and what doesn’t, it can be critical. Whole berries, like blueberries and grapes, should never be given to babies. It’s also worth avoiding any fruit that contains stones or pips, and keeping small objects out of reach.
Poisoning
There are a number of products in every household that can be extremely damaging to any child that ingests them. As such, it’s a good idea to stash these substances out of reach. Keep a dedicated cupboard in your kitchen, bathroom, and garage, and install a lock so that only adults can open it.
Drowning
Children who aren’t able to swim might be at risk if left unattended by the water. Make sure that you supervise constantly and vigilantly. Even children who know how to swim might be taken by surprise by the sea, where rip currents can be extremely dangerous in certain places.