Unintentional brain injuries are the leading cause of death and disability in children. Parents may not always be able to keep their children from getting hurt, but there are some simple things they can do to make injury less likely. Protecting a child's head from falls and motor vehicle crashes is one of the most important things. Please take a few minutes to read through the information below.

A parent's role as a protector:
At this age, children rely completely on their parents and other caregivers to provide for their safety. The following are actions that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of a child sustaining an injury:

• Use safety devices such as smoke detectors and car seats.
• Alter the child's environment by doing things such as removing small items from it's reach, making sure climbing items are not near windows and installing child protectors on door knobs to prevent it from leaving the house or entering protentially dangerous rooms without your knowledge.
• Provide constant supervision. Children should be watched at all times when they are near situations that can cause injury such as roadways, items they can fall from, water, dogs or the stove. When parents cannont supervise their infant, they should place their child in a playpen or gated area, especially if an older child is in the house. This will allow the older child his or her appropriate freedom with movement and toys and still protect the infant.

It is our hope that the following information can assist parents and other caregivers in creating a warm, nurturing and safe environment for children.

General Areas of risk at this age:

Car Crashes:
At this age, children are much safer in child safety seats in the event of a crash. A child should ride in the back seat of the car and in a correctly installed, forward facing car seat with a harness as long as it is at least one year old and 20 pounds. For more information on child passenger safety, visit www.safekidscharmeck.org, www.nhtsa.gov or call 704-336-7233.

Falls:
As toddlers begin to walk, they encounter new heights that can lead to serious injury if they fall. Toddlers should never be left on any elevated surface and once they can walk, gates on stairways, window guards and stationary walkers should be installed and used. Care should be taken as well to check for proper cushioning depth and material type as well as things that can lead to falls at playgrounds, home and in the community. For more information on playground safety, visit www.cpsc.org.

Burns:
Hot water heaters should be set to a maximum of 120 degrees to reduce likelihood of burns, and toddlers should be protected from house fire burns by the installation and regular testing of a smoke alarm. For more information on fire prevention, visit www.charlottefire.org.

Choking/Suffocation:
Small objects that children could choke on should never be left within their reach, and all table food should be cut to prevent choking. Latex balloons and plastic bags pose a hazard to a young child and should not be left where children can get to them.

Drowning:
At this age children are drawn to water. All standing water in and around a toddler's home in pails, bathtubs and pools should be emptied. All pools should have a fence around all four sides that is locked with a child proof latching system. Children should never be left alone near water, even for a moment. Children should wear appropriate personal flotation devices when near pools and large bodies of water.

Poisoning:
Safety locks should be used on cabinets with cleaners, medicines and other toxic chemicals. Remember, children don't know the difference between these items and candy or juice at this age. Yards and houses where children are present should be inspected and all poisonous plants should be removed. If a poisoning is expected, call 1-800-222-1222. For more information on poison prevention, visit www.ncpoisoncenter.org.

Children who have had an injury in the past, a developmental delay of some type or are in homes with domestic violence, substance abuse or mental health issues may be at greater risk for injury and may require additional protective measures.

For more information on childhood injuries locally visit www.carolinasinjuryprevention.com or www.safekidscharmeck.org. For national information visit www.cdc.gov, www.usa.safekids.org or www.aap.org.

If children play at other friend's houses or stay with other caregivers outside their homes, parents should ensure the same guidelines for safety are followed at that house.

This article is provided strictly as a service and for informational purposes. Carolinas Medical Center makes no representations or warranties about the information in this article and this article is not intended to replace any advice or information from your pediatrician. This article does not guarantee that an infant or child will not suffer injury or death even if all guidelines are followed.