Is Your Child Safe?

2012
ISBN: 978-1-100-19282-6
Cat. No.: H128-1/06-461-1E
HC Pub.: 4990

Introduction

Children are naturally curious and do not easily recognize and avoid hazards; therefore, they need extra protection and care. Many injuries can be avoided by supervising children carefully and by making their surroundings safer.

The Canada Consumer Product Safety Act is administered by Health Canada. Its purpose is to protect the public by helping to address and prevent dangers to human health or safety that are posed by consumer products in Canada. The Act replaces Part I and Schedule I of the Hazardous Product Act.

The Canada Consumer Product Safety Act and its regulations do not distinguish between new and used products. Any person who sells, distributes, or gives away products not complying with the legislative requirements would be contravening the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act and be subject to compliance and enforcement action.

Around the house

Blind and Curtain Cords

There are possible strangulation or entanglement hazards for babies and young children who have access to looped or long blind and curtain cords. There are steps you can take to reduce the risk of this type of tragedy happening in your home.

Whether your blinds or curtains are new or old, do not leave cords hanging. Keep the cords high and out of the reach of children.

Lighters, Matches and Candles

Keep lighters and matches out of the sight and reach of children.

Second-Hand Products

Check with the manufacturer and Health Canada for recalls before buying or using a second-hand product.

Trampolines

Trampolines should not be considered toys; there is a serious risk of injury to children using them. Most trampoline related injuries happen at private homes, usually in backyards on full-size trampolines. The hazards that result in injuries and deaths include: colliding with another person on the trampoline, landing improperly while jumping or doing stunts on the trampoline, falling or jumping off the trampoline, and falling onto the trampoline's springs or frame.

Poison Prevention

Household Chemicals

Household chemical products, such as bleaches, paint thinners, ammonia, and abrasive cleaners are among the top causes of injuries and deaths in children under the age of 5. Even a small amount of a chemical product can be harmful to a child. Bad taste and odours do not keep children away from chemical products. Chemical products can be poisonous, flammable, corrosive, or the containers can be explosive when exposed to a heat source.

For more information, see Stay Safe - An Education Program About Hazard Symbols! on the Health Canada Web site.

Children's Products

Baby Slings and Baby Carriers

The use of baby slings and baby carriers (worn by the caregiver) has led to serious injuries, and in some cases, the death of babies in Canada. Slings and carriers can pose safety risks. Premature babies, babies under 4 months of age or those who have pre-existing medical conditions, such as a cold, are especially at risk of suffocation. Consult a health care professional before using a sling with a premature baby.

Baby Walkers

The supply of baby walkers is prohibited in Canada. It is an offence to manufacture, sell, advertise or import new or used baby walkers, even for your own use. It is also an offence to give them away.

Bath Safety

Make sure the temperature of the hot water from the tap is no more than 49ºC (120ºF). If possible, set your hot water heater thermostat at 49ºC (120ºF) or lower.

Bath Seats

The use of infant bath seats and bath rings has been linked to the drowning death of infants in Canada. Babies have drowned when the suction cups on the bath seat came loose and the bath seat tipped over, when the baby slipped through the leg openings, or when the babies were able to climb out of the bath seat. These deaths occurred when the babies were out of their caregiver's sight and reach for only seconds. Health Canada doesn't recommend their use.

Car Seats and Booster Seats

All car seats must display a National Safety Mark that indicates they meet the applicable and current Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Do not buy a seat that does not have a National Safety Mark.

Change Tables

Remember that in the moment it takes you to reach for something, the baby can roll over and fall. To limit the risk of falls, you may choose to use a changing pad on the floor instead of a change table. If you choose to use a change table consider the following tips:

Children's Clothing

Cotton and cotton-blend fabrics catch fire and burn more quickly than most synthetic materials. Nylon and polyester are more difficult to catch fire and burn more slowly.

Loose-fitting cotton and cotton blend sleepwear for children do not meet flammability requirements. If you prefer cotton and cotton blends make sure the sleepwear is a tight-fitting style, such as polo pyjamas or sleepers. Tight-fitting clothing is less likely to catch fire than clothing with flowing skirts, wide sleeves, or large ruffles.

Teach your children about the dangers of fire. If their clothes catch fire, teach them to "STOP, DROP, and ROLL".

Pacifiers

There are many ways to soothe a baby and many babies never use a pacifier. If you decide to use a pacifier, please follow these safety tips:

Playpens

Always supervise a baby while they are playing in a playpen.

Safety Gates

Some gates manufactured before 1990 have wide V-shaped openings along the top, or large diamond shaped openings along the sides, and do not meet current regulatory requirements. These gates pose safety risks and should not be used. Openings in the gate should be small enough that a child's head or body cannot fit through.

Strollers

Keep these points in mind when choosing or using a stroller:

Suspended Baby Jumpers

Babies have been injured by falling when the jumper was not secured properly to the door frame, used in the wrong type of door frame or when parts of the jumper broke.

Cosmetics

Keep cosmetic products, such as nail polish removers, diaper creams, mouthwash, and perfumes, out of the reach of children. Some cosmetics can be harmful to young children if swallowed.

Sleep Time

The safest place for a baby to sleep is on his or her back, in a crib, cradle or bassinet. Health Canada recommends room sharing for the first 6 months of your baby's life.

Health Canada does not recommend baby sleep products that are intended to be placed in the adult bed or attached to the adult bed. These products present a risk of suffocation and entrapment. Instead use a crib, cradle or bassinet next to your bed. Do not use bed-side sleepers with the sides lowered.

Babies and young children should never be placed to sleep on standard beds, water beds, air mattresses, couches, futons or armchairs. A baby can suffocate when sleeping on these types of surfaces. Health Canada has received reports of injuries and deaths related to the improper use of many products mentioned in this section. Follow the safety tips provided to reduce the risk of injury or death related to the use of these products.

Bunk Beds

Since 1985, a number of deaths have been reported in Canada when children under 6 years of age were placed in the upper bunk. Typically, the children suffocated when their bodies slipped between the guard rail and the mattress.

Children under 6 years of age should never use the upper bunk of bunk beds.

Cribs, Cradles and Bassinets

The safest place for a baby to sleep is alone in a crib that meets current Canadian safety regulations. A crib can be used until the child can climb out on their own or when they are taller than 90 cm. Do not use a crib for a child that can climb out of it or who is taller than 90 cm. A cradle is also a safe place for an infant to sleep until they can push up on their hands and knees or they reach the manufacturer's recommended weight limit. A bassinet is a safe place for an infant to sleep until they can roll over or they reach the manufacturer's recommended weight limit. There is an increased risk of suffocation or entrapment when placing a baby to sleep in a place other than a crib, cradle or bassinet.

Never use a crib made before September 1986 as it does not meet current regulatory requirements. Health Canada does not recommend using cribs older than 10 years because they are more likely to have broken, worn, loose or missing parts, and to be missing warnings or instructions.

Portable Bed Rails

Portable bed rails are installed on regular sized beds to prevent children from falling out, but they may pose an entrapment hazard.

Play Time

Select only toys suitable for the child's age group, and make sure to read and follow all warnings, safety messages, and instructions that come with the toy.

Toy Boxes

Ride-On Toys

Be aware that a child on a wheeled ride-on toy can move very quickly. These toys should be used away from hazards such as lamps, cords, decorations, or appliances that could be knocked or pulled down onto the child.

Balloons

Balloons have caused a number of deaths. Health Canada is aware of deaths having occurred in children as old as 9 years. Balloons or broken balloon pieces can be inhaled and as a result, block a child's airway.

Toys with Batteries

Make sure batteries in toys are not accessible to the child.

Toys with Magnets

Products with loose small powerful magnets should be kept safely out of the reach of children. Unlike traditional magnets, small powerful magnets, such as rare-earth magnets, have a very strong magnetic pull creating a unique safety concern. They are used in a wide range of items, from jewellery, clothing accessories and household items, to children's products, such as building toys or science kits. Small powerful magnets that are loose or contained in a very small item are dangerous because they are easily swallowed.

If more than one magnet is swallowed over a short period of time, they can attract one another through the intestines and create a blockage or slowly tear through the intestinal walls. The results can be fatal. Older children are known to play with these small powerful magnets in their mouths: using them for fake tongue or cheek piercings, attaching them to braces, etc. Teach children to keep powerful magnets away from their mouths.

Playgrounds

Children have died when their clothing or drawstrings got caught on playground equipment or on fences. Also, children have died when they became entangled on ropes or skipping ropes attached to playground equipment.

General Safety Tips

Recalls

For recalls on children's equipment check with the manufacturer of the product, visit Health Canada's Web site periodically and sign up to our List Serv to receive email notifications.

Incident Reporting

If you experience an incident or injury related to a consumer product or cosmetic (health and safety related complaints) you can fill out an incident report here:

Other Resources

Canada Consumer Product Safety Act

Transport Canada
1-800-333-0371

Pesticides and Pest Management
1-800-267-6315

Canadian Paediatric Society
613-526-9397

 Baby's Breath
www.babysbreathcanada.ca
1-800-363-7437

Poison Control
Generally on the first page of your telephone book under Emergency Numbers or by checking www.capcc.ca/provcentres/centres.html

The Consumer Product Safety Directorate of Health Canada, in consultation with industry, consumers, and the medical community, has developed regulatory requirements and standards for a number of children's products, among them, toys, strollers, cribs, playpens, and safety gates. The Outreach Unit provides information to families, caregivers, daycare centres, and health professionals through initiatives such as safety awareness campaigns, pamphlets, and education bulletins.

For more information on injury prevention, please contact:

Consumer Product Safety Directorate
PDB - External Relations
Health Canada
Address Locator: 4909A Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9


E-mail: CPS-SPC@hc-sc.gc.ca
Toll-free: 1-866-662-0666

For inquiries and complaints about consumer products, please contact your nearest Product Safety office by calling the toll-free number above.

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2017-11-02