Three ways to keep your children safe during the festive season

CHILD injuries spike during summer. Professor Sebastian van As, head of Trauma Unit, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, says motor vehicle accidents, drownings, burns and falls are the most common reasons children end up in hospital over the holidays, adding that 80% of trauma cases are linked to road accidents where children were not properly strapped in.

Here are some useful tips to ensure the holidays are safe and fun for everyone.

Make the home extra safe this holiday

• Make sure hot electrical appliances, toxic substances and sharp objects are locked away or out of reach. The same applies to matches, paraffin and lighters.

• Search the home for objects that may cause harm. Read the labels on items you’re not sure about.

• Don’t let children near candles, fireplaces or the braai unless there is continuous supervision.

• Keep cabinets locked, especially ones where you keep chemicals.

• Be wary of little ones being near the bath or geyser.

• Keep toxic indoor plants out of reach.

• Make sure your pool cover is secure whenever the pool is unattended.

• Reduce the risk of choking by cutting a small child’s food into pieces.

Upskill your family in safety 101s

• Always, always wear seatbelts. This should be nonnegotiable for the whole family.

• Consider attending a first-aid course and if you have a child minder, consider taking them along.

• Teach your child to swim from a young age.

• Explain what objects are dangerous and why.

Stay safe in public spaces

• Make sure that a child wears a helmet and avoids traffic when skateboarding or biking.

• Supervise small children on roads and teach older children about pedestrian safety (look right, look left, look right again!).

• Don’t let children near any kind of water body without supervision.