Security

Safe exploration - our recommendations

  • For short unsupervised moments, use a walking frame for your child. 
  • Remove all small objects that can be swallowed [1]. This includes nuts, marbles, batteries or parts of toys, for example.
  • Avoid cables hanging down, for example from kettles, irons or laptops. Secure your sockets.
  • Medication and chemicals [2] should not be within reach of your child. This also includes cleaning agents, washing-up liquid and nail polish remover.
  • Make sure to keep hot drinks and liquids away from children.
  • Do not use a trolley for learning to walk. These inhibit development and increase the risk of accidents.

Sources:
1 Accidents in children in the first six years of life, Research Report 2021; Research Center for Child Accidents; p. 52
2 ICD10 – T36-T65, Statistics Austria

Security at home

Choose a good location for the changing table, for example in the corner of a room.
The changing mat should be raised at the side.
Never leave your child alone on the changing table.
Not even for a moment.
If your child is particularly lively, change him or her on the floor.

Make sure you have everything to hand when bathing.
Heat the bath water to a maximum of 37 °C.
Use a bath thermometer in addition to the elbow test.
[3]

Only use wet wipes and bath additives from the 6th week of life, if at all. 

Keep electrical appliances [4] at a safe distance from the bath water.
These include hair dryers, radios, fan heaters and cell phones.
Make sure that these devices are unplugged.

Your cot/playpen is safe if your child cannot bend or climb over the railing.
Make sure the height is set correctly.
Adjust it to the child’s development.

Your cot/school is safe if your child cannot bend or climb over the railing.
Make sure the height is set correctly.
Adjust it to the child’s development.

Falls are one of the most common causes of accidents!
Never leave your child unattended and unsecured, for example on a sofa, bed or changing table.
Watch out for fall hazards, such as stairs, high chairs or other furniture.

Children are quickly overwhelmed by supervising younger children.
Don’t expect too much of them.  

Sources:
3 Accidents involving children in the first six years of life, Research Report 2021; Research Center for Child Accidents; p. 52
4 Low case numbers – Example: https://www.vol.at/stromschlag-durch-handy-junge-dornbirnerin-stirbt-in-badewanne/6102456 (last updated January 2023)

Online tips

Explore and grow up safely
Website of Sicheres Vorarlberg, with safety tips, videos and downloads

Safe, child-friendly household
Tips from A-Z, with a practical checklist for the home
Folder – Download  from Sicheres Vorarlberg.

Enjoying the garden – but safely
Info sheet garden pond – biotope
Download from Sicheres Vorarlberg

Toxins and chemicals in the home
Numerous toxic dangers lurk in the household.
Download from the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention

5 Accidents in children in the first six years of life, Research Report 2021; Research Center for Child Accidents; p. 8; aks-Kinderdienste/ Physiotherapie book sources: Publisher: Thieme “Physiotherapie in der Pädiatrie”, “Entwicklungsneurologie und Neuropädiatrie”; Publisher UrbanFischer: “Babys in Bewegung”

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