Tamariki safety during bubble life

Babies and children love to play and explore the world around them. It's a normal part of learning and development and it's important we let them play.

At each stage, new challenges arise. Babies need your complete protection. Toddlers and young children are always on the go and equipment like stair gates can help make your job easier. Older children need your wisdom to learn about and manage risks so they can have fun with their friends and whānau safely.

Currently, homes are a lot busier than normal, especially for families with young ones. It's important to provide a safe environment for tamariki to enjoy.

Fewer injury claims during lockdown

During the first week of the lockdown, we saw a 48% reduction in injury claims for 0-4 year-olds, a 69% reduction for 5-9 year-olds and an 81% reduction for 10-14 year-olds. This is comparing to the same week last year.

This has helped to reduce pressure on our health services with fewer trips to the doctor and hospitals. Ka pai to all parents and caregivers keeping our tamariki safe! Keep up the great work.

Tips to keeping little ones safe

Falls are the most common cause of injuries in the home. Simple steps can make a big difference in preventing life-changing injuries that can result from a fall. For those keeping kids happy and healthy at home day in and day out, here are some tips to keep them safe from a fall injury:

Babies

• The safest place to change a baby is on the floor
• Hold the stair rail when carrying baby up and downstairs
• Check decks and balconies are fenced in a way that can't be climbed
• When using a cot, always keep the sides up.

Toddlers

• As kids get older, teach them how to go up and down stairs on their own and by using the handrail
• Once they start climbing out of their cot, it's time to move them into a bed
• If using a bunk, ensure only tamariki six years of age or older use the top bunk, and there's a safety rail in place
• Kids can climb out of windows, so put safety latches on low windows and ensure chairs and furniture are away from the window
• Kids can try to climb furniture, so secure heavy items to the wall, such as shelves and the TV
• Check fences can't be climbed and remove anything along the fence line that could be used to climb it eg buckets, wash baskets, toys, garden equipment.

Older kids

• Check trampolines are in good condition before using and make sure nothing is on, under or near it when in use
• Wear a helmet on bikes, trikes and scooters and teach older kids to assess and manage risks so they can have fun safely
• Talk about taking healthy risks so they learn how to maximise fun in a safe environment.

To parents and caregivers looking after young ones of all ages around New Zealand, ka pai – you're doing a fantastic job. The best thing you can do is be present with your tamariki, but be sure to take time to focus on your own wellbeing, too.

More information

Head to the Safekids Aotearoa website for information on making your home a safety ;zone.

Safekids Aotearoa – Make your home a safety zone

You can also visit the Plunket website for more advice around caring for our youngest tamariki.

Plunket – You and your child