KEY POINTS:
An Otago University researcher has found home is the most dangerous place for under fives.
Jean Simpson told an injury prevention conference in Napier that half the injuries that caused the deaths of preschoolers happened at home.
She said half the hospital admissions of preschoolers also stemmed from injuries that happened at home and the vast majority of the injuries were unintentional.
Dr Simpson said a number of important safety measures, such as the installation of swimming pool fences and use of fire retardant building materials, were being implemented across the country.
However, she said how caregivers perceived what was likely to cause injury to young children and the response to that risk was an essential factor for children's safety at home.
Dr Simpson said it was important for caregivers to be confident and feel competent about being a parent.
She said there were some very bright young minds out there, but they could not be expected to keep themselves safe.
- NEWSTALK ZB
