Child Safety

Did you know? Injuries are the leading cause of death for children, yet most injuries are both predictable and preventable. Parents and caregivers need to actively supervise young children and provide a safe environment for their children to live, grow and play.

Water Safety

Drowning is the second leading cause of death for young children yet these injuries are both predictable and preventable. To ensure the safety of children around water, it's essential to follow some key safety tips.

• Always supervise young children and stay within arm’s reach
• Make sure young children and weak swimmers wear a lifejacket or PFD (Personal Flotation Device)
• Enroll children in swimming lessons
• Instal four-sided pool fencing with a self-closing gate (decrease accidental access to the pool)

For more information, download the Middlesex-London Health Unit's Pool Safety and Drowning Prevention Brochure (PDF) or visit visit Parachute Canada.

Product Safety

Many children have been injured in Canada as a result of child products. In order to prevent child injuries, active supervision is important. Toys, curtain cords, and magnets are just some of the products that can injure a young child. Knowledge of the risks can help to reduce the risk of injury.

For more information about product safety, visit Parachute Canada or Health Canada Consumer Product Safety.

Burns and Scalds

Children are particularly vulnerable to burns and scalds due to their innate curiosity and developing mobility. Additionally, their thinner skin makes them more susceptible to severe consequences from burns and scalds. It's important to note that a child's skin burns four times faster and deeper than adult skin when exposed to the same temperature. Therefore, taking proactive measures to prevent burns and scalds is crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of children. For more information, please visit Parachute Canada.

Give Your Child a Safe Start

Safety booklet and video series

Download the Give Your Child a Safe Start (PDF) safety bookley and/or watch the YouTube video series. Every year the Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre treats thousands of injured children. This resource can help parents and caregivers keep children safe and healthy.

Available in other languages

• Give Your Child A Safe Start Booklet (English)
• Give Your Child A Safe Start Booklet (French)
• Give Your Child A Safe Start Booklet (Mandarin)
• Give Your Child A Safe Start Booklet (Arabic)
• Give Your Child A Safe Start Booklet (Spanish)