TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Department of Health, Taipei City Government (台北市政府衛生局), announced on Monday (Dec. 1) that 18 cases of fatalities involving children under six years old in 2023 and 2024 were linked to sleep safety and falls. In response, the department has launched tools like a home safety checklist and tabletop educational games to prevent such incidents.
Accidental injuries rank as the third leading cause of infant mortality in Taipei, according to the Department of Health. Lin Hsueh-lan (林雪蘭), section chief of the health management division, stated that the department has collaborated with National Taiwan Normal University (國立台灣師範大學) since 2024 to promote educational and training activities aimed at preventing child accidents.
The department provides resources, including booklets, pamphlets, and materials, on sleep safety and burn prevention. These are available for parents, caregivers, and childcare staff to download. Wu Wenchi (吳文琪), an associate professor from the university's health education department, noted that 40% of participants lacked adequate knowledge of home safety. She urges the public to use the home safety checklist to assess seven key areas.
Wu highlighted that the tabletop games use cards depicting bedrooms and balconies, allowing children to choose safe behaviors and learn to avoid falls and injuries. The Department of Health's website hosts interactive games and resources in the "Safe Baby Happy Home" section to enhance home safety awareness.