CHILD CARE

Learning Objectives:
 Identify safety hazards for small children
 Assess ways to correct safety hazards for young children
 Assess ways to prevent potential hazards for young children
 Identify the primary caregiving skills for children (physical, emotional and guidance).

Dangerous child hazards to avoid- kids safety tips:

 Sharp objects
 Dangerous chemical
 Choking Hazards
 Stairs & Windows
 Electrical Outlets
 Doors and Furniture
 Playful pets
 Health Hazards

1. Sharp objects
- Having sharp objects around the house is inevitable. They are located in almost every
part of our home. However, taking note of how reachable these home hazards may be
for the young toddler(s) is important.

2. Dangerous chemicals
- These chemicals can either irritate your toddler’s skin when getting in contact with
them, or be dangerous if inhaled
- Most of these dangerous chemicals are home hazards for toddlers that can be found in
the kitchen or bathroom such as detergents and dish soaps. However, other areas to
look out for can also be the garage, basement, or stock room since they might include
paint, car liquids such as oil bottles, or house cleaning supplies. Secure the top covers,
and maintain the products out of reach.

3. Choking Hazards
- Anything that a toddler may find while crawling on free space will be potential choking
hazard if swallowed.

4. Stairs and windows

- Toddlers are at the age where they want to explore their curiosity. It’s safer to avoid a
tragedy by keeping windows closed and locked.
- Stairs may also be a home hazard if they are slippery and dangerous for toddlers that are
unable to keep their balance. Watch out for railings since the toddler may also get stuck
 or fall through the open spaces. Placing a baby gate will prevent toddlers from going up
and down the stairs.

5. Electrical Outlets
- Extensions and loose wiring can also be a child hazard if your toddler decides to play
with them. The best way to keep these wires away from toddlers is by hanging them up
high towards the ceiling, tightening them together behind the furniture, or stapling
them/taping them as closest to the floor edges as possible and away from the children.

6. Doors and furniture

- Toddlers can get their fingers entrapped in door hinges. If possible, keep the door fully
open or fully closed and locked! By keeping the door fully opened, you will prevent the
child from playing with the hazard in the first place.
- Big items such as furniture and appliances can easily tip over if not well grounded.
Children might also want to stand and hold onto chairs, tables, televisions, and other
items that could tip over and fall on them.

7. Playful pets
- Try allowing your pet to get used to having a new family member after introducing your
toddler. In the meantime, don’t leave your toddler alone in the same room as your pet
just to be on the safe side. Dogs and cats can also get jealous when they feel that their
lovely space is being threatened by another specie. Once you have found a comfort level
for both pet and baby, do not allow your child to overly bother your pet either. Even the
gentlest pets have their limits

8. Health hazards
- Germs can easily be spread as well, so you may want to make sure that those that come
in contact with your child are not sick. Plus, be aware of those living in the household,
other incoming visitors, as well as babysitters. Be alert on the safety of your baby at all
times.

9. Child safety – preventing drowning

- Drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional injury death for children under
five years of age. One – and two year olds are the most at risk as they are more mobile
than infants but are still developing motor skills and cannot judge hazards.
- Swimming pods, baths, and rivers, creek and streams are the most common location
where toddler drowning deaths occurs.
- Never leave your child alone in the bath – children can drown quickly and silently in a
few centimeters of water.
- Actively supervise – make sure children are in constant visual eye contact and within arm
reach of an adult at all times when in around water.
- Be prepared – when your child is in the bath be within arms reach of them with all of
your attention all of the time.
- Empty water – from the bath and from buckets and wading pools immediately after use
and close the bathroom door when it is not in use.
- Always watch your children at the public swimming pool.
- If you are a parent or caregiver do a first aid course and learn infant and child
cardiopulmonary resuscitation ( CPR ) in case of an emergency.

10. Roles of parents and caregivers

- Provide encouragement and support
- Access to activities that enable the child to matter
- Key development task
- A parent is their child’s first teacher and should remain their best teacher thoughtout
life.
- Assist and support, the child cognitive, emotional, physical and social development