Children are extremely curious—they want to investigate, explore, and learn, unaware of the risks, consequences, or limitations. Currently, there is a high rate of deaths due to childhood accidents such as drowning, suffocation, and burns. The most vulnerable age groups are children from 0 to 4 years and from 10 to 14 years old.
Below we list the most common accidents by age group and how we can prevent them:
- Falls from heights: From 3 to 4 months old, children begin to roll over, so they should never be left on high surfaces. It's advisable to always place them in a crib or seat with harnesses to secure them and prevent possible falls.
- Traffic accidents as passengers: This is the leading cause of child deaths worldwide. To prevent this, always place children in approved car seats, depending on their age, weight, and height.
- Choking: From 3 months of age, children begin to explore, and during this stage, they use their hands to grab objects and put them in their mouths. Therefore, it's recommended not to leave dangerous objects within reach.
- Burns: These can occur during bath time. Always ensure the water is below 38 degrees Celsius.
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to be related to high temperatures or suffocation. To prevent it, always place babies to sleep on their backs.
- Drowning: This is the second leading cause of death in children. It most commonly occurs in children aged 1 to 4 years. During immersion, a child can lose consciousness within 1 minute and experience brain death by minute 4 or 6—these are irreversible damages. For this reason, never leave a child alone in a pool, bathtub, or any body of water.
