Home accidents to children under 2 years of age

Abstract

Within a population-based register of childhood injuries, 641 home accidents to children aged under 2 years were recorded in six hospitals. The annual rate was higher in children over 1 year (6.6 per 100) than in infants (2.7 per 100). A male predominance was observed only after the first birthday. Most injuries were related to physical trauma (mainly falls), but burns and poisonings were frequent in the second year. Most lesions were benign, except in the case of falls from a height (from a window or baby furniture). Nineteen per cent of the children were admitted to hospital. There were 15 skull fractures, two fatal cases and two severe sequelae. Child abuse was seldom suspected and the reasons for this are discussed. The study of the circumstances in which accidents occur leads to the conclusion that the main aspect of prevention should be passive protection ensured by the creation of a safe environment (compulsory safety standards for baby furniture, child resistant packaging), but that parents' information and education should also be developed, with emphasis on knowledge of children's normal psychological and motor development and abilities.