The 10 surprising things you must keep out of your child’s reach – or risk devastating consequences

FIRST aiders have revealed 10 surprising items you need to keep out of a child’s reach to avoid tragic accidents. 

Among the items include an ice box, car keys and dressing gown tie.

, based in Australia, provides parents with information on looking after young children.

On its page, it listed items it said may be a surprise to parents.

1. Strings/cords longer than 20cm

Strings or cords that are longer than 20cm pose a strangulation risk to a child.

While it would be the worst case scenario, it is always possible.

Items include:

• a phone charger
• robe belts
• blind or curtain cords
• toys with strings

2. Smaller bodies of water

Parents would always watch their children round large bodies of water - a lake or pond, for example.

But Tiny Hearts warns that “all it takes is 20 seconds and a few centimetres of water for a child to drown”.

For that reason, it best to keep children away (unattended) from:

• cool boxes
• pet water bowls
• bathtub

3. Items with button batteries

Small batteries pose a threat to children when ingested. They can cause serious internal damage to a child’s organs due to the acid.

It’s commonly known that children should not have toys with button batteries.

But there are a number of household items that also contain the tiny batteries.

For example, a 'singing card' - one which plays music when opened.

Tiny Hearts listed:

• car keys
• watches
• ‘singing cards’

Other warnings

Tiny Hearts warned that medications should be kept far away from children.

It said that pills can look like sweets to kids which raises the risk they’ll be interested.

Parents were also reminded to keep hot items out of reach, such as pots and pans, hot tea or coffee, or packaged food items like cup noodles. 

If your child sustains a burn, you need to perform first aid on them immediately to minimise scarring or tissue damage.

First aid

Burns

Move the person away from the heat and danger. Cool the injury as soon as possible. Place the burn or scald under cool water for 20 minutes minimum or until the pain goes away. 

If the burn is deep, or larger than the person’s hand, on their face, hands, feet, intimate area or the casualty is a child - call 999 immediately.

Remove jewellery and clothing around the area, unless stuck to the burn. For young children this may include nappies. 

Cover the burn loosely, lengthways with kitchen film to help prevent infection and keep it clean. Don’t burst blisters. 

Raise the affected area if possible to reduce swelling. 

Children under 10 years old should always go to hospital if they have received a burn. For those older, you must consider if A&E care is necessary by assessing the burn and other symptoms.

Choking

If the child is coughing, encourage them to continue as they may be able to bring the object up. Don't leave them.

If the coughing isn’t effective (it is silent or they cannot breathe properly), shout for help immediately.

If the child is still conscious, use back blows. 

Baby

1. Slap it out:

• Lay the baby face down along your thigh and support their head  
• Give five back blows between their shoulder blades  
• Turn them over and check their mouth each time  

2. Squeeze it out:

• Turn the baby over, face upwards, supported along your thigh 
• Put two fingers in the centre of their chest just below the nipple line; push downwards to give up to five sharp chest thrusts 
• Check the mouth each time  

3. If the item does not dislodge, call 999 or 112 for emergency help  

• Take the baby with you to call  
• Repeat the steps 1 and 2 until help arrives 
• Start CPR if the baby becomes unresponsive (unconscious)  

Child

1. Cough it out  

• Encourage the casualty to keep coughing, if they can 

2. Slap it out  

• Lean them forwards, supporting them with one hand 
• Give five sharp back blows between the shoulder blades 
• Check their mouth each time but do not put your fingers in their mouth  

3. Squeeze it out  

• Stand behind them with your arms around their waist, with one clenched fist between their belly button and the bottom of their chest 
• Grasp the fist in the other hand and pull sharply inwards and upwards, giving up to five abdominal thrusts 
• Check their mouth each time  

4. Call 999 or 112 for emergency help if the object does not dislodge  

• Repeat steps 2 and 3 until help arrives 
• Start CPR if the person becomes unresponsive (unconscious) 

5. Always seek medical advice if abdominal thrusts are used 

All kids are at risk of choking - especially those under the age of three.

Nikki Jurcutz, who runs Tiny Hearts, previously reminded parents that choking is silent, so it can sometimes be hard to know if that's what's really happenening.

She said: "You could be standing on the opposite side of the room with your back turned, and your bub could be choking.

“Unless they thrash about or somehow get your attention, you might not even notice.”