Accidents Will Happen!
Regardless of how much you think you prepare for them as a parent, accidents happen in childhood. It’s inevitable that your toddler will fall down as he learns how to walk and run. And he’s bound to have a bathroom mishap at the most inopportune time at least once (like in the car on the way to visit Grandma!)
Here are tips on how to handle common childhood accidents:
Falls, Bumps & Bruises
Most toddlers will take a tumble as they explore their environments and personal limitations. Whether it’s a face plant onto the floor or a fall off the couch, these types of accidents are often minor and require only an ice pack and a kiss from mom and dad.
But falls aren’t always minor. In fact, they have the potential to be quite serious. It’s therefore important to supervise your children and guide them to make smart decisions around possible household hazards.
According to Health Canada, the following items pose the largest risk for falls:
Baby Walkers – Although baby walkers were banned in Canada in 2004, many toys with wheels can still have the potential of causing serious injury.
Bunk Beds – According to Health Canada, children under the age of six should not sleep on the top bunk.
Cribs – Cribs need to be adjusted according to a child’s height to ensure he doesn’t fall out.
Change Tables – Always keep one hand on your child when changing him on an elevated surface such as a change table.
If your child does fall:
Stay Calm – If you panic, your child will too.
Assess Your Child – Look for any swelling, bumps, redness or deformity of the extremities. If your child bumped his head, look for signs of a concussion: loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and drainage (clear or bloody) from the nose, mouth or ears.
In case of an emergency (i.e. loss of consciousness, a concussion or broken bones), you should head immediately to the closest emergency room (ER) or call 911.
If you have any questions about an injury, it’s important to ask a professional.
The following numbers provide access to free health information and advice from professional health care practitioners across Canada to help you make informed decisions:
BC, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia & Quebec
8-1-1
Alberta
1-866-408-5465
Saskatchewan
1-877-800-0002
Manitoba
1-888-315-9257
Ontario
1-866-797-0000
Potty Accidents
Most parents have scooped out a floating poop in the bathtub or mopped up a pee puddle on the change table at least once! Potty accidents are common in toddlers.
If your child isn’t yet potty trained, always be prepared for an accident when the diaper comes off. Carry wipes, diapers and an extra set of clothes in your diaper bag at all times and have an extra towel and wash cloth ready for bath time and changes.
If your child is potty trained and experiences an accident:
- Keep frustration to yourself – Your child may be embarrassed and your disapproval may only make the situation worse. Instead, reassure him that accidents happen and encourage him to talk to you about his feelings.
- Try to determine the cause – Accidents do happen in response to a slight change in your child’s routine and will stop on their own. But they could also be in response to a more serious matter. Step back and assess what is going on in your child’s life to ensure there’s nothing more serious going on.
- Consider seeing a doctor – Depending on your child’s age and frequency of the accidents, you may want to visit your family doctor to rule out any medical issue such as a bladder infection or diabetes.
Tweet
