When you want to optimize your baby’s safety outdoors, there are a few we empirically know can be dangerous.
Never leave the child on the balcony unattended. Make sure that the door to the balcony is properly secure to avoid the child accidentally opening the door by themselves.
The railing around the balcony must be at least 120 cm tall. If bars are a part of the design, they should be vertical and the distance between each bar should be a maximum of 12 cm. Many balconies have railings with horizontal planks which may be used by the child for climbing. If you have such a balcony in your home, it can be secured by using chicken netting. Do make sure that the holes are small enough so that the child cannot secure a foothold. Even in cases where the balconies are secured as suggested, a child can still manage to climb onto tables and chairs, thus potentially gaining access to climb over the edge of the balcony. So always keep a close eye on the child.
The pram must be stable and safe to use. This includes but is not limited to:
The pram must also be secured when in use:
Both prams and strollers are not tall, making it difficult for drivers to spot them – especially if there are parked cars along the curb. As such, avoid pushing the carriage in front of you if you do not have a clear view. Instead, walk next to the carriage.
There are many types of strollers. However, regardless of type, the following must be checked:
The stroller should be used from the time the child has started rolling or getting up to sit. A harness must always be used when the child is awake and sitting upright in the pram. If the child sleeps with the harness on, it should be under regular supervision as no harness is completely safe. The harness must be fastened in the metal loops on both sides, and the harness must be secured tightly across the bottom of the pram or stroller so that the child is not at risk of getting wrapped up in the harness, razor burns or, in the worst case scenario, suffocated by it.
The child must be able to sit securely by themselves before you set off on an adult bicycle. Choose a solid, secure bicycle seat with a fully moulded seat, adjustable footrests, straps to fasten around the feet, headrest and an H- or Y-belt.
Bring your child as well as your bicycle when choosing a seat. The seat must be mounted onto the bicycle frame itself, not just on the luggage carrier. The child’s weight must match the weight the chair is designed to carry. The bicycle must also be equipped with a coat protector to ensure that the child cannot get their feet caught in the wheel.
There should be proper protection put in place on the bicycle seat springs so that the child cannot get their fingers caught.
Children should wear a safety helmet when riding their parents’ bicycle.
Under no circumstances should the bicycle helmet be used during play on the playground as the child risks suffocating if the straps get stuck or pinched.
If the car is equipped with an airbag by the passenger seat, the child must always be placed on the backseat as the force from a triggered airbag can break the child’s neck.
Never place an infant on your lap in the car. In the event of sudden braking, collisions or other accidents, it becomes impossible to securely hold the child on your own.
The infant must be restrained in their own approved car seat that is securely fastened with their back against the travel direction. Purchase the chair in a store where you are able to get professional guidance. Bring both your child and car to ensure you get a chair that fits.
If the child’s car seat is used as a reclining chair at home, it should only be placed on the floor.
Teach children to not pet dogs that they do not know. Not all dogs will like children and may bite or snap at the child.
Water is very intriguing for children. Be extra aware when you’re in an area with water, even if it’s shallow – a child can drown in less than 10 cm of water. Take part when the child is playing with water, whether it is outdoors or indoors. Never let the child bathe alone with older siblings. If the child gets their head under water, they breathe in to scream and the lungs fill. With their head under water, the child cannot orient themselves and will not get back up.
Make sure that dangerous ponds and similar areas are filled in or fenced. Gardens with a swimming pool should be closed with gates that can be locked. Put up a fence if your neighbour has a swimming pool. Inflatable pool toys and floaties should only be in use when the child is being closely monitored.
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