Rachel Kiser
Blogger | Mom of Two
I always say that I never truly knew fear until I became a mother. As parents, our heads can quickly become filled with all of the worst-case-scenarios possible. When my firstborn was young, I often had to fight off fears when she was near water, close to a ledge, or even in the back seat of my car.
“In order to end preventable deaths in our lifetime, our work must begin at birth,” said National Safety Council (NSC) President and CEO Deborah A.P. Hersman. “Protecting our children is a down payment on our future. This National Safety Month, I hope all new parents will consider the data and take simple steps to ensure No One Gets Hurt – especially our most precious citizens.”
While not every accident is preventable, the NSC recently sent out a press release to share with families the five most common ways child deaths occur and how we can take precautions against them. Although they are not surprising, it’s important to read them and consider what we can do to lessen the statistics and safe-proof our families.
Suffocation. In 2016, 1,056 children up to age 4 died of mechanical suffocation, losing the ability to breathe due to strangulation or smothering, often during sleep. Check cribs and sleeping areas to make sure they are free of items that could suffocate a child, including stuffed animals and bumper pads.
Car crashes. That same year, 511 children ages 4 and younger died in motor vehicle incidents. Secure children in the back seat of vehicles in child seats that are appropriate for their age, weight and height, and make sure seats are properly installed.
Drowning. 463 children died from drowning, as well, in 2016. Enroll children in swimming classes as soon as they are old enough, and always supervise bath time.
Fire. 116 children died from fires. Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in the sleeping areas of everyone in the family, including babies and children, and change the batteries at least once each year.
Choking. 85 children died from choking. Provide your child with age-appropriate toys, and make sure there are not small pieces that could be removed or broken off and pose choking risks.
We understand that these things are not fun, or easy, to talk about. But, according to NSC Spokesperson Maureen Vogel, “The first step to prevention is education. If parents know the biggest risks facing their children, the vast majority will take steps to mitigate those risks. Preventing accidental death might seem impossible, but it isn’t. There are very simple things we can all do.”
About Rachel Kiser
Rachel is a wife and mother living in Raleigh, North Carolina. She’s a fan of good coffee, wearer of gray t-shirts, and is constantly starting books she will never finish. Her family is her joy, and she loves to engage with other moms and dads on matters of parenting. Her blog posts have also been featured on the Today Show Parenting Blog and Scary Mommy.
5 Comments on “NSC Releases Top 5 Ways Accidental Children Deaths Occur- What You Need To Know”
Thank you for sharing this information. Knowledge and education is a great way to try and prevent some of these accidents. Proper crib safety, car seat safety education, swimming lessons, fire education (what to do in case of a fire, don’t hide) have a plan, and know cpr.
When my kids were young I feared everything,you have to be alert at all times!
I have two little girls, they are the most important things in the world to me and I totally get the feeling of crying every time they are near danger. While I fear that no matter what safety precautions I take to try to keep my babies safe, I will always do the best to take all the necessary precautions, I have even began to do more research on properly securing your child in the car, car seats, and booster seats. Thank you for all the helpful tips I will be sure to put them into practice.
Thanks for sharing and reading! Glad we could help!
As a mom of a three year old, i can relate to the fear of our little ones getting hurt or worse. Its a very scary feeling. We as parents just have to take precautions and be alert as to where they are at all times and not only what they are doing but what we are doing as well.