The most common injuries and accidents to be aware of
Children develop quickly and may suddenly do something unexpected. A child’s age determines what precautions you should take. The risk of accidents is highest when the child is learning new skills, such as rolling over, crawling, or walking. By securing the child’s surroundings, you can protect them from accidents while still allowing them to explore and learn.
Home safety
All new parents are concerned about something happening to their child. With a few safety measures, you can achieve a good balance between natural play and exploration, and secure surroundings.
For the youngest children, it is especially important to ensure safe changing, safe sleeping, and safe eating.
Safe changing
Never leave your child unattended on a changing table, even from birth. The baby may suddenly move more than you expect. Keep everything you need within reach and take the baby with you if you must leave.
Baby skin is sensitive, and burns can occur at temperatures as low as 40°C. You can prevent accidents by measuring bathwater temperature, which should not be warmer than 37°C. Taps with built-in thermostats or anti-scald devices can prevent water from getting too hot.
Always stay with your child when they bathe or play with water. Small children can drown in as little as 10 cm of water.
Safe sleeping and carrying
Infants should sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Crib slats should be no more than 6 cm apart. The sides should be at least 60 cm high from the surface where the child can stand. The same measurements apply to playpens.
Baby carriers and wraps must be suitable for the child’s age. Follow the product instructions. Ensure nothing blocks the child’s nose or mouth and that airways are clear.
Safe eating
Small objects can get stuck in a child’s throat. Therefore, you should:
- supervise your child while eating, as they may choke on food
- stay nearby when the child drinks from a bottle, as they may swallow incorrectly
- check that the bottle nipple is intact and securely attached
Be careful when drinking or eating something hot so the child cannot be burned, for example, by hot coffee in a stroller cup holder or hot food on the table.
Read more about introducing solid food.
Safe surroundings
When children get older and start moving around more, their surroundings need to be secured. Here are some important measures:
Key measures to secure surroundings
For more information about childproofing your home, safe sleeping, and products such as toys and baby equipment, see dsb.no and farligeprodukter.no (in Norwegian).
Outdoor safety
Securing a pram/stroller
- Check that the carrycot is properly attached to the frame.
- Use reflectors.
- Consider using a mosquito net, which can also prevent cats from climbing into the stroller.
- Use a safety harness in a pushchair.
- Supervise your child whether awake or asleep.
- Avoid covering the opening with blankets. Monitor the temperature inside the stroller and for the child. The stroller should not be in direct sunlight.
Traffic and water safety
For advice on child safety in cars, buses, or on bicycles, see tryggtrafikk.no (in Norwegian).
For advice on child safety on boats and choosing a suitable life jacket, see redningsselskapet.no (in Norwegian).
Sun and summer
Children are extra sensitive to sun and heat. Infants should not be in direct sunlight and should be protected with shade and clothing (in Norwegian). Older children should also be protected from strong sun. The Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA) provides guidance on sun protection, healthy sun habits, and the use of the UV index (dsa.no).
Winter and cold
Dressing for cold weather
Children get cold faster than adults. Hands, feet, nose, ears and cheeks are most at risk for frostbite. Low temperatures combined with wind increase the risk.
Dress the child according to their activity level. Dress children in layers, with wool being better at regulating warmth than cotton. Make sure clothes and shoes are large enough, as tight clothes make you colder. Cover the head and neck. Warm hands and feet indicate good insulation. A sweaty neck means overdressing, which can cause the child to cool down quickly during rest. Sunglasses or ski goggles protect against sun and wind.
Sleeping and resting in the cold
In Norway, small children sleep and rest outdoors year-round. At low temperatures (–10°C to –15°C), especially combined with wind, monitor the child’s body temperature closely. Wind chill makes the effective temperature lower than what the thermometer shows.
Use the layer principle for clothing and ensure they do not get cold. A well-insulated base and a weather-resistant cover over the sleeping bag create a warmer microclimate around the child.
Using a pulk (sled)
Follow the pulk’s instructions. Use harnesses and regularly check the child’s condition. If hands and feet are warm, the child is comfortable; if the neck is sweaty, the child is too warm. Assess terrain and surface conditions, as shaking can be harmful. Small children are especially vulnerable to concussions, frostbite, hypothermia, and overheating.
Safety during leisure activities
For older children, it is important to consider safety during sports and leisure activities, such as when learning to ride a bike or using trampolines or skiing.