In the first three years a parent's role shifts from protection to education.
At birth we have to give 100 percent protection to our children.
But over the next three five years we have to slowly educate and protect less.
Because of baby's various developmental stages, he is more prone to certain accidents at certain times of his life.
Understanding risk
Why do children have more accidents than adults?
They are still learning and don't always do things correctly, get excited and are adventurous, are easily distracted, want to impress their friends and believe accidents only happen to other people.
Which children are most at risk?
Boys. They have more accidents than girls at every age, perhaps because boys are expected to "go out into the world" while girls tend to be more protected.
Children in poor housing conditions. They cannot run about and explore safely in their environment.
Children without sufficient supervision. It is hard to supervise children 24 hours a day. Children whose parents do not have enough support themselves are at high risk.
When are children at risk?
Most accidents happen when parents are feeling tired and stressed. These times are on weekends, in the evenings and during the summer.
Zero to six months
Developmentally
At this age baby needs full time care and protection.
Baby's ability to move, roll and grasp increases rapidly. At three months he can lift his head for three seconds, wriggle and kick.
Between five to eight months he can roll over, reach for objects, grasp, puts objects in his mouth and crawl.
Potential accidents
Falls, cuts and bruises
Baby rolls and grasps sooner than you think, so never leave him alone on beds or tables - not even for a second. Keep cot sides up at all times
Burns
Check temperature of bath water to prevent scalds.
Do not handle hot liquids while holding baby (even cups of tea and coffee). Keep candles and kerosene stoves well away from baby.
Drowning
It only takes 5cm of water and 30 seconds to drown. Never leave baby alone in the bath - ignore disturbances or take baby with you.
Choking and suffocation
Don't use pillows in the cot - they are unnecessary. Remove bibs before baby sleeps. Cot bars should be spaced so that baby cannot get his head through. Do not have ribbons and cords on sleep wear. Do not use a dummy chain while baby is sleeping. Keep plastic bags out of baby's reach.
Poisoning
Always read labels on medicine bottles and keep them safely out of baby's reach.
Road safety
Never travel with baby on your lap or lying on the seat. Make sure baby is strapped into a SABS approved car seat.
General
Keep small objects out of baby's reach. Toys should be strong, without sharp edges.
Six to 12 months
Developmentally
Baby is now crawling and exploring. Most things go into his mouth. He pulls himself up and everything else down.
At six to eight months, his manual skills improve. He can open/shut/push/pull/fill/empty and sit unaided.
From nine to ten months, he can do a pincer grip and pick up small objects. He can pull up to standing position and walk holding onto furniture.
From eleven to thirteen months he knows items exist even when out of sight and can walk unaided.
So potential accidents are:
Falls, cuts and bruises
Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairways. Be careful of low, unbarred windows and balconies and make sure furniture is stable. Use a harness on highchairs, shopping trolleys and prams.
Burns
Use guards in front of heaters and open fires. Keep hot liquids and foods well out of baby's reach. Run cold water into the bath before hot. Use table mats instead of table cloths. Use safety plugs in wall sockets.
Drowning
Keep nappy buckets covered and out of baby's reach. All pools, dams and ponds should be fenced. Always supervise baby near water. Use non-slip mats in the bath. Never leave baby alone in the bath.
Choking and suffocation
Keep small object like peanuts, marbles, buttons, small parts of toys out of reach.
Poisoning
Keep all poisons well out of reach. Keep all medicines locked away. Store away paraffin. Keep cleaning materials in a high cupboard - not under the sink and use lead-free paint on furniture.
Road safety
Make sure baby is always fastened into a car seat in the car. Gates must be closed so baby cannot wander into the road.
One to two years
Developmentally
Children are now more mobile and inquisitive than parents realise. A child often has no fear or sense of danger and enjoys walking unaided, loves emptying and filling activities, imitative play and can screw a lid beyond one turn.
Potential accidents
Falls, cuts and bruises
Keep guards on windows and balconies. Use child locks on car doors and keep doors locked. Children love climbing and need it to help develop co-ordination - but keep an eye on them.
Burns
Keep pot handles turned into the centre of the stove. Keep matches out of reach. Electric cords - particularly of kettles - should be kept short and out of reach. Place a child in a camp cot or play pen while cooking.
Drowning
Prevent drowning by teaching children to swim. Always supervise near water even if they can swim. Farm dams and ponds are also hazards. Keep toilet and bathroom doors closed.
Choking and suffocation
Children should not play with plastic bags or ropes. Keep small objects out or reach. Do not give food that he cannot chew.
Poisoning
Keep all poisonous substances locked away. Lock medicines away. Don't tell children that medicines are sweets.
Road safety
Keep gates locked. Never leave young children alone in a car - not even for a minute. When leaving home make sure little ones are not playing near the car.
Two to three years
Developmentally
Children are now quick and unpredictable. Teach them safety rules, but remember they still need protection, supervision and discipline.
Your child may understand instructions, but may forget when excited.
Start teaching your child to do things safely, but make sure an adult is always nearby. Learning to be safe takes time.
Potential accidents
Falls, cuts and bruises
Beware of unsafe playground equipment. Use safety glass or mark glass doors and large windows. Store knives and scissors out of reach. Keep children away from lawn-mowers.
Burns
Keep pot handles turned into the centre of the stove. Keep matches/lighters/candles out of children's reach. Use pyjamas instead of nighties and avoid flimsy dressing gowns.
Drowning
Teach children to swim. Keep pools and dams fenced with childproof locks on gates. Even if precautions are taken, always supervise.
Poisoning
Keep all medicines and household cleaners out of reach and out of sight in a locked cupboard. Never store poisonous substances like paraffin, turpentine or petrol in cooldrink bottles.
Road safety
Strap a child into a car seat. Begin teaching rules for crossing roads, but always supervise. Use fenced play areas - small children are easily distracted. Never leave children alone in parked cars.
General
Teach children not to touch strange animals. Give children responsibilities. Explain reasons for safety. - CAPFSA