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HOME SAFETY In 2001 3,800 NZ pre-school children were hospitalized due to unintentional injury, most of which occurred in the home and could have been prevented. Water temp: check babies bath water temperature with the back of your wrist. It should be warm to touch, not hot. Never leave a baby or child alone in a bath or pool. Toys: make sure they meet NZ standards also think about: Size-could they choke on it (if could fit inside a film canister it could fit in a baby's mouth) The surface, makes sure it is smooth, with no sharp bits Non-toxic, lead free paint, fire resistant surface Avoid any strings or cords Always supervise babies and check their environment is safe. They should not be left alone on high surfaces where they could roll off. With second-hand cots check the space between bars that your babies head could not get stuck between and that it is painted with lead free paint. It is recommended to have a new mattress as old mattresses can have fungi if they have been wet from urine. Fire safety: fire guards that are fixed and unable to be removed by your child. Prevent falls- high chairs, push chairs, car seats, bouncers should all have a harness. Padding on sharp corners. Stair guards top and bottom of the stairs. High risk of injury with Baby Walkers as a a baby may fall down stairs with them. Burns are often caused from hot drinks so take extra care with them. Also avoid tablecloths as children can pull them and then hot food/drinks could fall on them. With stoves consider the use of a stove guard, and use back rings when cooking facing handles in not out. Check that your smoke detector and fire extinguisher work. If your child has a burn, hold the burnt area under cold running water for 10 minutes and seek medical help. Clothes - avoid ribbons or strings as there is a risk of strangulation. Poisons need to be stored up high or locked away. Take care with medicines eg if kept in handbags children may find them. Plants in the garden - are any poisonous? Electrocution: consider safety plugs. It does not take long for children to drown. Never leave them alone in any water. In the house, the most dangerous areas are usually the kitchen and bathroom. Helpful Services and Websites: ACC www.acc.co.nz Plunket www.plunket.org.nz Healthline is a free telephone health information service ph 0800 611 116 www.moh.govt.nz/healthline Ministry of Consumers Affairs www.consumer-ministry.govt.nz www.familyservices.govt.nz/skip/ National Poisons Centre 0800 764 766 www.toxinz.com Parents Centre www.parentscentre.org.nz

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