Idaho ranked 41st in U.S. for child deaths

Idaho ranks No. 41 in the nation for child deaths, meaning that the state has one of the lowest child death rates in the country.

The leading causes of death among Idaho infants are physical birth defects and short gestation periods or low birth weight. The leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 17 are general accidents and suicides.

The “Child Deaths in Idaho” report gave a couple of safety tips for parents:

Children under age 13 should ride in the back seat.
Riding in the beds of pick-up trucks should be strictly avoided. Ensure teenagers develop safe driving habits. Closely watch children of all ages while swimming or playing near open water like pools, canals and rivers. Swimming lessons can help reduced this risk.

“We do a ‘Mommy and Me’ class at six months [old], but the preschool one doesn’t usually start until about three years old. I think it’s important to always start when they are young so when they grow up they will be comfortable in the water, and there will never be a time where they can’t swim. It’s important to always keep track of your kids and watch where they are. You don’t want them wandering around, even if there is a life guard on duty. Life guards don’t see always see everything,” said Karly Owens, an Idaho Falls Aquatic Center life guard and swim teacher.

Along with teens, younger children can be at risk for suicide. Parents are advised to be familiar with the warning signs of suicide attempts and work to provide protective factors at home– such as making sure firearms and medications are not easily accessible.