As a parent, there is no greater joy than watching your little one run around in the yard or on a playground. It is a beautiful sight. But all this joy can be ruined by a small mistake or carelessness at an unexpected time. Even a small accident can cause great harm to a child. This is why doctors always remind us that when children play outdoors, even in the yard, we should always be attentive to them.
So, today we'll talk about some important things to keep in mind to protect your child from dangers.
Let's first look at garden safety.
This is very simple. You should first take a short walk around your garden. Then you will understand for yourself which places could be dangerous. Let's see what these are.
| The Risk | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Fences and gates | Check to see if the fence around your house is strong and in good condition. Is it rusted or has any wood chips come off? Can a small child easily open the gate? Be careful about these things. |
| Water hoses | Don't leave the water hose lying around in the yard after use. A child can get tangled in it while running. So always roll it up and put it away. |
| Ladders | Ladders are something that children see as toys. Therefore, they can be dangerous to climb on. Always store ladders in a garage or storage room where children cannot reach them. |
| Unnecessary goods | Don't leave toys or other items on the walkways in the yard. Not only the children, but you too can get tripped up and fall. |
| Dangerous equipment | Always keep children indoors when using dangerous equipment such as lawnmowers, saws, and hedge trimmers. Also, store sharp tools such as shovels, spades, and weed whackers out of reach of children, with the sharp side facing down. |
What should we do on the playground?
The best key to safety on a playground is our attention (Supervision) . According to surveys, 40% of accidents on playgrounds occur when parents are not paying attention. Just think, a big accident can happen while you are talking to a friend, or even just looking at your phone for a short time. So keep an eye on your children at all times. If they are pushing each other, fighting, etc., stop them.
Your main responsibility on a playground is to keep an eye on your child. Don't pay attention to anything else at that time.
| Steps to take for safety | Description and importance |
|---|---|
| Toys appropriate for the child's age | Don't buy swings and climbing equipment designed for older children for your little ones, thinking, "They can play with it when they grow up." Choose sturdy equipment that is appropriate for the child's age and strength. |
| Equipment installation | Always place play equipment on a level surface. Make sure it doesn't tip over. Also, place it at least 6 feet away from obstacles like walls, fences, and trees. This will ensure that a child can land safely if they fall. |
| Soft Surface | Place something like wood chips, sand, or rubber mats under play equipment. This will help reduce injuries if a child falls. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a layer about 9 inches thick. |
| Maintenance | Check these devices from time to time. Check for loose, broken, or peeling wood and repair them. Tighten things like nails and bolts, as they loosen over time. |
| Avoid tying ropes together. | Never tie ropes, cloth cords, or dog leashes to toys. These can get tangled around children's necks and cause suffocation. |
| Hot surface | On sunny days, things like sliding boats, especially those made of metal, can get very hot. Check the surface before your child plays with it. It may be hot enough to burn the skin. |
Water hazards: More dangerous than we think!
Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children. This is not limited to swimming pools. Any place with standing water can be dangerous for a young child.
Think about it, a small sink in the yard, a bathtub, a bucket full of water, a ditch full of water, a well, a pond... Never leave a child alone in any of these places. It takes less than three minutes for a child to drown and die in water . So, never take your eyes off your children for even a second when they are around water.
If you have a swimming pool at your home...
- Build a strong fence at least 4 feet high around the swimming pool.
- Never leave a small child alone near a pool, not even for a minute.
- Keep toys, balls, and tricycles away from the pool, as a child may fall into the water while trying to retrieve a toy that has fallen into the water.
- Do not leave electrical appliances like radios near the pool. If they come into contact with water, they can cause an electric shock.
- Use a safety cover that can completely cover the pool when not in use. It should be anchored to the ground so that a child cannot crawl under it.
- After using the "baby pool" for bathing small babies, drain the water and store it upside down. It can be refilled by rain or a faucet.
Let's prepare for an emergency.
If you have a swimming pool at home, always keep these things nearby:
- A telephone and emergency service numbers (like 1990).
- A poster with details about safety tips and first aid (especially CPR).
- A hook, wheel, and rope that can be used to pull a child out if they fall into the water.
If an accident occurs, do not panic and call the emergency services immediately. If necessary, take your child to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU). Prevention is the best way to prevent accidents. Therefore, be aware of these factors and create an environment where your child can play happily and safely. If you have any further questions about this, talk to your family doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Give your children your full attention when they are playing in the garden or on the playground. Avoid using your phone or doing other things.
- Keep potentially dangerous items in the garden, such as ladders, sharp tools, and water pipes, out of reach of children.
- Make sure the toys are age-appropriate and sturdy. Place them on a safe surface, away from obstacles.
- Even a drop of water can be fatal to a child. Never leave children alone near swimming pools, buckets, or basins.
- It is very important to have basic knowledge of emergency telephone numbers and first aid.
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